Virtual attendees of the Rage Against the War Machine rally in Washington, HERE, can judge for themselves whether an English band member’s contribution was the best of the 24 or so speakers’. First below, a link to a National Public Radio report concerning the band’s best-known album. Then, a link from genius.com to opening lyrics of one of the album’s songs. Next, a link to a Rolling Stone article on the album, its making, and its successes. Finally for now, a link to a World Socialist Web Site review of the Washington rally. — MCM

–   –   –

Psychologist Daniel Levitin dissects Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon.’ Reported by Leila Fadel, Phil Harrell and Chad Campbell | NPR  Here’s an enduring legacy: Pink Floyd‘s album Dark Side of the Moon, released 50 years ago today and still on the Billboard charts, can be enjoyed for its far-out sonic landscapes or its inventive production. You can also study . . . Click HERE to listen or the report, and perhaps later to read more.

–   –   –

Breathe . . .  From genius.com. “Breathe, breathe in the air. Don’t be afraid to care. Leave, but don’t leave me. Look around and choose your own ground . . . .” Beginning lyrics of a song in the “Dark Side of the Moon” album. Click HERE for more.

–   –   –

Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’: 10 things you didn’t know, by Dan Epstein | Rolling Stone There are hit albums, and then there’s . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

The ‘Rage Against the War Machine’ rally: A reactionary political freak show, by Jacob Crosse and Joseph Kishore | WSWS The “Rage Against the War Machine” rally held on Feb. 19 in Washington, D.C., was a political freak show attended by a motley crowd of several hundred Libertarian Party supporters, neo-fascists, and disoriented and demoralized middle-class individuals without an independent program or perspective. The speeches, many of which were obscenity-laced rants, were pitched to the lowest political level. By the time the event finally dribbled to an end, it had left . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Le Monde, Tass, Reuters, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. NOTE: Repairs have been made to the “Not all the rage” entry of two days ago in which several asterisks in front of names of speakers were either not linked to the speakers’ addresses or not highlighted, or both. The link is HERE.— MCM

–   –   –

Ukraine official: Forces may pull out of key eastern city, by Susie Blann | AP  KYIV — The Ukrainian military might decide to pull troops back from the key stronghold of Bakhmut, an adviser to Ukraine’s president said today. “Our military is obviously going to weigh all of the options. So far, they’ve held the city, but if need be, they will strategically pull back,” said Alexander Rodnyansky, an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The battle for Bakhmut has . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Blinken says ‘no plans’ to meet Russia, China at G20. From Le Monde and AFP. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today he will not meet the Russian or Chinese foreign ministers at this week’s Group of 20 meeting in New Delhi, charging that Moscow was not serious about ending the war in Ukraine. “I have no plans to see either at the G20,” he said in Tashkent, adding that he expected to participate in group sessions with them. READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Germany’s Scholz argues Russia must be first to take steps towards peace in Ukraine. From Tass. BERLIN — The German government thinks that Russia should be the first to take a step towards achieving peace in Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said today. In a joint press conference with Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, he said it was “clear” that Russia had attacked Ukraine, and that Russia was the country that “must do something” to make peace possible. Scholz stated . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Soils of war: The toxic legacy for Ukraine’s breadbasket, by Rod Nickel | Reuters Scientists looking at soil samples taken from the recaptured Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine found that high concentrations of toxins such as mercury and arsenic from munitions and fuel are polluting the ground. Using the samples and satellite imagery, . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

How Russia’s war in Ukraine is changing the world’s oil markets. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR  Russia’s war in Ukraine is causing a profound and permanent shift in the world’s oil markets, creating new geopolitical alliances. Analysts say it’s comparable to the 1970s Arab oil embargo. Click HERE to listen and read. 

–   –   –

TO BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Tass, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. Then, links to four recent articles in the Wall Street Journal, one of which was the subject of an article, HERE, by the editor of Consortium News. Also see, just below this entry, or HERE, links to speakers at the Rage Against the War Machine rally in Washington on Feb. 19. — MCM

–   –   –

Russians tighten noose on Ukraine’s Bakhmut, Putin warns of Western espionage, by Dan Peleschuk | Reuters  * Early spring thaw turns battlefields to mud * Russian forces advance north and south of Bakhmut * Kremlin: Kyiv must accept loss of lands annexed by Russia * U.S. Treasury Secretary Yellen visits Kyiv, pledges more aid | KYIV — Russian forces today pressed forward their weeks-long drive to encircle and capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, where the commander of Ukraine’s ground forces described the situation as “extremely tense”. Capturing Bakhmut, scene of . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Ukraine’s northeastern front could decide new battle lines, by Samya Kullab | AP  KUPIANSK, Ukraine — “Synchronization will be important to halt Russian offensives toward Ukrainian defensive lines,” says Col. Petro Skyba, a battalion commander of the 3rd Separate Tank Iron Brigade. Grueling artillery battles have stepped up in recent weeks in the vicinity of Kupiansk, a strategic town on the eastern edge of Kharkiv province by the banks of the Oskil River. The Russian . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

A look at Russia’s information war on Ukraine. Reported by Shannon Bond | NPR  In the year since Russia invaded Ukraine, the conflict has played out on the battlefield of information, too. Russia is using social media, traditional media and allies to push false narratives. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

UAV crashes in Kolomna district of Moscow Region, no damage caused – governor. From Tass. MOSCOW — An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has crashed near the village of Gubastovo in the Kolomna district of the Moscow Region. There is no threat to the safety of local residents, the Moscow Region’s governor, Andrey Vorobyov, said today. “Apparently, a civilian infrastructure facility was its target,” he said. “The facility . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Moscow says downed Ukraine drones targeting civilian infrastructure in Russia. From AFP. Moscow said today its forces downed two Ukrainian drones that had targeted civilian infrastructure in southern Russia, the latest in a series of drone incidents inside Russia that Moscow blamed on Kyiv. “The Kyiv regime attempted to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to attack civilian infrastructure in the Krasnodar region and the Adygea Republic. The UAVs were neutralised by . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Drones are giving Ukraine a wartime edge, by Jillian Kay Melchior | The Wall Street Journal Discussion about the war in Ukraine has focused recently on whether the West will supply Kyiv with tanks and jets. But consider the humble drone. Even as Russia has used Iranian-made drones to attack . . .Subscribers to the newspaper may read more.

–   –   –

The Ukraine war lesson Europe refuses to learn, by Joseph C. Sternberg | The Wall Street Journal European voters and politicians haven’t seriously discussed the question of what they are prepared not to do — in terms of social welfare projects, green-energy boondoggles or the like — to pay for Ukraine’s defense. Expect this argument to become . . . Subscribers to the newspaper may read more.

–   –   –

Ukraine’s missing soldiers hint at war’s bloody toll, by Isabel Coles and Ievgeniia Sivorka | The Wall Street Journal DNIPRO, Ukraine — After a year of fighting, Western officials put the number of dead and wounded Ukrainian soldiers at around 100,000, nearly twice the number of U.S. casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11. The heavy toll that points to . . . Subscribers to the newspaper may read more.

–   –   –

Switzerland becomes stumbling block for Western military aid to Ukraine. From the Wall Street Journal. The Alpine nation is a major arms exporter, but its reluctance to authorize transfers of ammunition to Kyiv is frustrating . . . Subscribers to the newspaper may read more.

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED

The Rage Against the War Machine rally in Washington eight days ago was a relatively low-profile affair, but an event that might presage something else.

Visitors to this blog may have learned about it from the last item in the entry just below, HERE, in which one of the most recognizable “9/11 truthers” interviewed a rally attendee best known for her attention to matters concerning elections and voting.

In the estimation of the interviewee, the best address heard at Rage Against the War Machine was a pre-recorded one by a non-attendee, a gray-beard best known as part of an English rock band. A link to one of the band’s songs is HERE.

A link to the event co-sponsored by the Libertarian Party and the People’s Party, is HERE. It lasted about two hours. Coverage by news organizations, if any, was light.

Speakers, including one of the moderators: * Max Blumenthal * Gerald Celente * Dan Cohen * Jimmy Dore * Tulsi Gabbard * Chris Hedges * Jackson Hinkle * Scott Horton * Kim Iversen * Craig “Pasta” Jardula * Dennis Kucinich * Daniel McAdams * Dan McKnight * Cynthia McKinney * Garland Nixon * Anya Parampil * Ron Paul * Tara Reade * Wyatt Reed * Diane Sare * Jill Stein * David Swanson * Roger Waters and * Ann Wright

Performances by * Tatiana Moroz * Jordan Page and ** Supreme

Clicks on the single asterisks preceding their names will provide links to their contributions. A click on double asterisks yields only info that the page could do be found. — MCM

First, links to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, Tass, National Public Radio, and Consortium News; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, a link to a podcast in which an attendee at the Feb. 19 “Rage Against the War Machine” rally describes it. — MCM

–   –   –

China urges peace in Ukraine after U.S. warns against aiding Russia, by Pavel Polityuk | Reuters  * U.S. warns of ‘real costs to China’ of giving lethal aid * Putin says West, backing Ukraine, seeks to destroy Russia * Zelenskiy says he wants victory over Russia this year | KYIV — China said on Monday it sought dialogue and a peaceful solution for Ukraine despite U.S. warnings that Beijing might be considering weapons supplies for its ally Russia’s invasion. A Russian missile killed one person in the western town of Khmelnitskyi, Mayor Oleksandr Symshyshyn said. China, which declared a “no limits” alliance with Russia shortly before the invasion a year ago, has . . . READ MORE  . . .

–   –   –

CIA director: Putin too confident he can grind down Ukraine, by Josh Boak | AP  WILMINGTON, Del. — CIA Director William Burns said Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is being “too confident” in his military’s ability to grind Ukraine into submission. Burns said the head of Russia’s intelligence services had displayed in their November meeting “a sense of cockiness and hubris” that reflected Putin’s own beliefs “that he . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Ukraine’s ground forces commander visits besieged Bakhmut to talk strategy, boost morale, by Oleksandr Kozhukhar | Reuters KYIV — The commander of Ukrainian ground forces Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi visited besieged Bakhmut to boost morale and talk strategy with units defending the town and surrounding villages in eastern Ukraine, the military said over the weekend. Military analysts expect that Ukraine’s forces will put their “maximum effort” in coming days into defending Bakhmut, which . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

DPR head says Zelensky’s statement on preparing to capture Crimea is publicity stunt. From Tass. MOSCOW — MOSCOW — Denis Pushilin, the interim head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, said today that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s statement that Kiev was preparing military efforts to capture Crimea is nothing but a publicity stunt. “It’s more like an effort to . . . raise the morale of Ukraine’s armed formations. Maybe, . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Switzerland’s parliament is considering a retooling of Swiss neutrality. Reported by Eleanor Beardsley | NPR  Switzerland is considering allowing its military hardware to be given to Ukraine. It would be a big change in policy for the traditionally neutral country. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, allies levied more than 11,000 sanctions on Russia. Leila Fadel of NPR talks with Rachel Ziemba of the Center for a New American Security about sanctions which have failed to dramatically weaken Russia’s economy, and its ability to finance the war. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

The Russia-Ukraine war’s impact on food security 1 year later. Reported by Nurith Aizenman | NPR  Russia’s war on Ukraine affected grain shipments and raised concerns about a global food crisis. A year later, the worst fears about food prices and worldwide hunger failed to materialize. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

9 years on, the meaning of the Maidan protests persists in Ukraine. Reported by Julian Hayda | NPR  Eight years before Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine’s president fled to Moscow after the Maidan protests forced him from office. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

Western leaders privately say Ukraine can’t win the war, by Joe Lauria | Consortium News French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told Zelensky at an Élysée Palace dinner earlier this month that he must consider peace talks with Moscow, the Wall Street Journal reported. According to its source, the newspaper quoted Macron as telling . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

More evidence emerges that U.S. wanted Russia to invade, by Joe Lauria | Consortium News Over the past year, additional proof has emerged proving the West’s provocation of Russia to give it its “Vietnam” in Ukraine. * The U.S. backed a coup in 2014, installing an anti-Russian government in Kiev and supporting a war against coup resisters in Donbass. * The 2015 Minsk Accords to end the Ukrainian civil war were never implemented. * On the day of the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion Biden told reporters that economic sanctions were never intended to deter Russia, but to show . . . READ MORE

–   –   –

‘Rage Against the War Machine’ Wash DC, Feb 19 – Boots on the ground report. Architect Richard Gage speaks with Christina Tobin of Free and Fair Elections. Tobin reports on the rally in Washington two Sundays ago. Click HERE to watch and listen. 

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from Reuters, Tass, the Greanville Post, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press; others are accessible by clicking on their names and initials below. Then, commentary by a freelance journalist.— MCM

–   –   –

Putin casts war as a battle for Russia’s survival, by Guy Faulconbridge | Reuters  * Putin says Russia battling for survival * Putin says Russian people may not survive * Putin says West trying to disband Russia * Russia to take into account NATO nuclear capability | MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin cast the confrontation with the West over the Ukraine war as an existential battle for the survival of Russia and the Russian people – and said he was forced to take into account NATO’s nuclear capabilities. A year since . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

West seeks unlimited power, while Russia defends its home – Putin. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russia is defending its home and people’s lives, while the West seeks unlimited power, President Vladimir Putin said in his address to the Federal Assembly on Feb. 21. “Those who were planning a new attack on Donetsk and Donbass, and on Lugansk clearly understood . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Address by the president of the Russian Federation on Feb. 21. From the Greanville Post. Russian president Vladimir Putin’s long address to the Federal Assembly, Russia’s national legislature, is presented with English subtitles. It is preceded by a brief GP introduction. Click HERE to watch, listen, and read.

–   –   –

At the G-20 summit, countries couldn’t reach an agreement about Ukraine. Reported by Eyder Peralta and Joanna Kakissis | NPR  More than a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, the fighting grinds on. Meanwhile the Group of 20 leading economies could not agree on a statement about the war. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Russia says West ‘destabilised’ G-20 talks. From AFP. MOSCOW – Russia on Saturday accused the West of destabilising the Group of 20 finance ministers’ meeting in India by trying to force through a joint statement on Ukraine that stalled because of disagreements. “We regret that the activities of the G-20 continue to be destabilised by the Western collective and used in an anti-Russian . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

A year into Russia’s war in Ukraine, U.S. ambassador to the UN says diplomacy is still an option. Michel Martin of NPR speaks with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield about what more the UN can do, as Russia’s war enters its second year. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

Thousands join Berlin rally calling for Ukraine peace talks. From AP. BERLIN — Thousands of people protested in Berlin on Saturday to condemn Germany’s supply of arms to Ukraine and call for peace talks to end the war. The organizers were criticized . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

The woman who spoke out against the Ukraine war on Russian TV now lives in France. Reported by Eleanor Beardsley  | NPR  The woman who electrified the world last year when she burst onto the set of a Russian news broadcast to protest the war in Ukraine now lives in France, where she continues to speak out. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Putin’s invasion foretold, by Greg Palast | gregpalast.com As Russian tanks rolled across the border, some of our fellow progressives called it a justified attack in response to a threat from Western military imperialists. The year was 1939. That year, some on the Left, a minority for sure, . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED

The government narrative about the murderous terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has gone on for more than 21 years. Decreasing percentages of Americans buy it. As for the official tale spun about how THREE World Trade Center skyscrapers collapsed, Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth continues to educate structural engineers in its Project Due Diligence. There are many reasons to support its efforts. — MCM

–   –   –

Don’t let our first responders down. A short video narrated by Roland Angle | AE911Truth. Survivors and First Responders still die from the toxins of Ground Zero. The bureaucracy stalls, waits for most to pass, while victims who are in dire need of treatment beg the government for help. We are fighting to keep their message alive. One way to help is to become a sustaining member. Click HERE to watch, listen, and read.

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and Tass; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below — MCM

–   –   –

Zelenskyy seeks more sanctions, fighting grinds on, by John Leicester | AP  KYIV — Ukrainian authorities today reported dozens of new Russian strikes and attacks on cities in the east and south. After a somber and defiant day of commemorations on Friday and a marathon news conference, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today declared that “Russia must lose in Ukraine” and argued that its forces can be defeated this year. He also pushed for more sanctions pressure on Russia . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

A year since Russia invaded, Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs the support of the world. Reported by Joanna Kakissis | NPR  Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a lengthy press conference in Kyiv Friday as the country marked one year since Russia’s invasion. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

In Ukraine, evidence mounts of Russian war crimes. Reported by Nathan Rott, Leila Fadel, Noah Caldwell, Ashley Brown and Ivy Winfrey | NPR  A year into the war in Ukraine, evidence of alleged war crimes by Russian soldiers is mounting. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

President Biden’s support for Ukraine. Reported by Scott Simon and Ron Elving | NPR  President Biden’s commitment to Ukraine in its fight against Russia comes from his background in foreign affairs and the Cold War. Also, Sen. Tim Scott goes to Iowa, and a train derailment goes awry. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Most G20 nations condemn Russia for war, China stays silent, by Shivam Patel andAftab Ahmed | Reuters  * Compromise reached as ‘most’ members condemn Russia * China, Russia decline to sign up to joint statement * Little progress reached on debt relief effort | BENGALURU, India — Finance chiefs of the world’s largest economies strongly condemned Moscow for its war on Ukraine today, with only China and Russia itself declining to sign a joint statement. India was reluctant to raise the issue of the war, but Western nations insisted they could not back any outcome that did not include a condemnation. The lack of full consensus . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

EU agrees new sanctions on Russia. From AFP. The EU agreed a new round of sanctions over Russia’s war in Ukraine on Friday, the bloc’s Swedish presidency announced. It said the package —the 10th the EU has imposed since Russia’s February 24, 2022 invasion — contains “targeted restricted measures against individuals and entities supporting the war, spreading propaganda or delivering drones used by Russia in the war”. Final approval of the sanctions was expected early today if . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

EU blacklists 121 entities, individuals in new anti-Russia sanctions package. From Tass. BRUSSELS — The European Union (EU) approved the 10th sanctions package against Russia, blacklisting 121 individuals and legal entities, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell announced today. The new package . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Parents of twin boys rescued from Ukraine reflect on a year of trauma and joy. Reported by Lee Hale, Courtney Dorning and Ari Shapiro | NPR  Parents Alex Spektor and Irma Nuñez speak on the first birthday of their twin boys who were evacuated as newborns from Ukraine in the early days of the war. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

The key trends to watch in Russia-Ukraine war. Reported by Greg Myre | NPR  The war in Ukraine has been defined by several key trends this past year: Russia has underachieved. Ukraine has overachieved. Western support for Ukraine has remained surprisingly strong. But . . . Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED

First, links to reports from the Xinhua News Agency, National Public Radio, Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Next, via YouTube, a link to a conversation with a retired Army officer who has focused on the conflict since before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. Then, a link to a Washington Post column from early this week. Finally, a link to a poem by an Australian observer. — MCM

–   –   –

Full text: China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis. From the Xinhua News Agency. BEIJING — China released a paper stating its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis today. The following is the full text. China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis: 1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries. Universally recognized international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

China wants peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to begin as soon as possible. Reported by John Ruwitch | NPR  China has called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

China’s Ukraine proposal ‘not a peace plan’: EU foreign policy chief. From AFP / Reuters UNITED NATIONS — EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said today that China’s proposal to resolve the Ukraine war was “interesting” but not a full-fledged plan to lead to peace. “It is a position paper . . . where China has put together all their positions expressed since the beginning,” he said. “It has interesting considerations about .   . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Ukraine sees some merit in Chinese peace plan. From Reuters. BEIJING — China called for a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine today and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he was open to considering parts of a 12-point peace plan put forward by Beijing. China urged both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation, warned against the use of nuclear weapons and said conflict benefited no one. The initial reaction from Kyiv was dismissive. However, Zelenskiy himself . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Ukraine leader pledges push for victory on war anniversary, by John Leicester and Hanna Arhirova | AP  KYIV — Ukraine’s leader pledged to push for victory in 2023 as he and other Ukrainians today marked the somber anniversary of the Russian invasion that upended their lives and Europe’s security. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s defiant tone captured . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Drone footage shows scale of Bakhmut’s destruction. From AP. New video footage of Bakhmut shot from the air with a drone for The Associated Press shows how the longest battle of the year-long Russian invasion has turned the city of salt and gypsum mines in eastern Ukraine into a ghost town, its jagged destruction testament to the folly of war. Shot Feb. 13, it shows no people. But they are . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

What Ukrainians are expecting, one year after Russia invaded. Reported by Leila Fadel | NPR  One year to the day after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the country is transformed. What’s ahead as the war enters its second year and how are Ukrainians thinking about the future? Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Moscow observes a holiday honoring its armed forces one year after Russia invaded Ukraine. From NPR. Today marks one year since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian president Vladimir Putin shows no sign of backing down. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Ukrainians mourn and vow to fight on, a year after Russia invaded, by Olena Harmash and Max Hunder | Reuters  KYIV — Ukrainians paid tribute to fallen loved ones today and vowed to fight on to victory, while Russia said its forces . . . READ MORE . …

–   –   –

How war has changed Russian society. Steve Inskeep of NPR talks with Nina Khrushcheva, the great-granddaughter of Nikita Khrushchev, about her visit to Russia and how life has changed during its war on Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

How life in Russia has changed since its invasion of Ukraine. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR  One year after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, life in Russia has changed profoundly. It is a place of lost freedoms, historical grievances, pride and despair. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

Col. MacGregor: Ukraine is about to be annihilated. Stephen Gardner of a YouTube channel sits down virtually with Retired U.S. Army Col. Douglas Macgregor (ON FEB. 7) to discuss the Ukraine Russia war. Did NATO want this war? Will the United States trigger World War III in order to prop up President Biden and his White House? Was the Chinese spy balloon to embarrass Biden or is it to distract Americans? Can Ukraine beat Putin? Can NATO beat Putin?  Click HERE to watch and listen.

–   –   –

Kyiv visit shows Putin seriously misjudged Biden’s courage, by Eugene Robinson | The Washington Post What many people fail to understand about President Biden, the oldest president in our history, is the extent to which he is guided by a sense of mission. He came out of retirement and ran for the White House only because he believed he had the unique ability, and thus the obligation, to . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

After the fugue, by Caitlin Johnstone | caitlinjohnstone.com After the fugue state clears, / after this whole . . . READ MORE . . .

First, links to reports from Reuters, Tass, National Public Radio, Agence France-Presse, and the Associated Press; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

–   –   –

Ukraine defends front line, Putin talks up nuclear arsenal on war anniversary eve, by Pavel Polityuk | Reuters  * Putin raises possibility of boosting nuclear forces * Russia to deploy Sarmat ICBMs in 2023 * ‘Step back from the brink’, says U.N. chief | Ukraine said its forces had repelled Russian assaults along the length of the front line today, and Russian  President Vladimir Putin announced plans to deploy new Sarmat multi-warhead intercontinental ballistic missiles this year. “As before, we will . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Russian forces wipe out six Ukrainian ammo depots in DPR – top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian forces destroyed six Ukrainian army ammunition depots in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) over the past day during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov said today. Additionally . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

A year in, the U.S. makes a pledge: ‘Ukraine will decide what victory looks like.’ Reported by Ari Shapiro, Ashley Brown and Noah Caldwell | NPR  U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin says the United States is committed to putting Ukraine in the best possible position to end Russia’s unprovoked invasion, “whether or not the fighting continues, or whether or not they decide to go to the negotiating table” — but . . .  Click HERE to listen and read..

–   –   –

The view from Ukrainian soldiers, the Pentagon and U.S. lawmakers as the war grind on. Reported by Frank Langfitt, Franco Ordoñez and Tom Bowman | NPR As Russia’s war with Ukraine reaches the one-year mark, many say the war is entering a critical phase. But some Republican lawmakers are raising questions about the ongoing support from the U.S. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

Finland says will send three Leopard tanks to Ukraine. From AFP. Finland today announced it will send three Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, the latest Western country to pledge heavier weapons. “We will send more defence materiel and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners,”Minister of Defence Mikko Savola said, adding that the aid package would also include “training related to their use and maintenance.” READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

Putinology: the art of analyzing the man in the Kremlin. Reported by Greg Myre | NPR  Americans and others who closely studied the Communist leadership of the Soviet Union used to be called “Kremlinologists.” Now there’s a new generation of analysts who could be called “Putinologists,” those seeking to understand Russia today by deconstructing its leader and the war he’s waging in Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and read.

–   –   –

Putin’s Ukraine gamble seen as biggest threat to his rule, by Andrew Katell | AP  Russian President Vladimir Putin laid the foundation for the invasion with a 5,000-word essay in 2021, in which he questioned Ukraine’s legitimacy as a nation. It was the latest chapter in a long obsession with the country and a determination to correct what he believes was a historical mistake of letting it slip from Moscow’s orbit. He reached back three centuries, to Peter the Great, to support . . . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

U.S. accuses Russia of war crimes in Ukraine. What does it plan to do about it? From NPR. The U.S. is openly accusing Russia of war crimes in Ukraine. Legal scholars say don’t expect Russian President Vladimir Putin to face trial anytime soon. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

–   –   –

‘Never saw such hell’: Russian soldiers in Ukraine call home, by Erika Kinetz | AP  KYIV — The Associate Press obtained some 2,000 intercepted phone calls made in March 2022 from Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which offer an intimate new perspective on .   . READ MORE . . .

–   –   –

MAY BE CONTINUED