First, a link to an op-ed column in today’s Berkshire Eagle by the newspaper’s foreign affairs writer. Then, links to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, Tass, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. — MCM
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Russian men vote with their feet against Putin’s war in Ukraine, by James Brooke | The Berkshire Eagle In one week, 300,000 Russian men have fled to neighboring countries to duck the draft. That is five times the number of American men who fled to Canada in the decade from 1965 to 1975 to escape the Vietnam War draft. . . . Military analysts, most notably the British Defense Ministry, warn that after seven months of war, Russia’s army lacks the officers for training and the equipment for arming new recruits. Backing up this view, a widely circulated video shows a Russian Army officer lecturing new recruits that the Army will supply only “uniforms and weapons.” It is up to soldiers to provide their own sleeping bags, tourniquets and medical supplies. READ MORE . . .
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Russia withdraws troops after Ukraine encircles key city, by Jon Gambrell and Adam Schreck | AP KYIV — After being encircled by Ukrainian forces, Russia pulled troops out today from an eastern Ukrainian city that it had been using as a front-line hub. It was the latest victory for the Ukrainian counteroffensive that has humiliated and angered the Kremlin. Russia’s withdrawal from Lyman complicates its internationally vilified declaration . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russia abandons Ukrainian bastion, Putin ally suggests nuclear response, by Tom Balmforth and Pavel Polityuk | Reuters * Ukraine’s recapture of Lyman deals Moscow major setback * Chechen leader suggests use of low-yield nuclear weapon * Lyman is key logistics hub in eastern Donetsk region * Donetsk is one of four regions Putin says are now Russian | KYIV — Russia said today its troops had abandoned the key bastion of Lyman in occupied eastern Ukraine, a stinging defeat that prompted a close ally of President Vladimir Putin to call for the possible use of low-grade nuclear weapons. The fall of Lyman came just a day after Putin proclaimed the annexation of four Ukrainian regions – including Donetsk, where Lyman is located – and placed them under Russia’s nuclear umbrella, at a ceremony that was condemned by Kyiv and the West as an illegitimate . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ending conflict practically impossible after four new regions joined Russia – Borrell. From Tass. MADRID — The fact that the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics and the Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions joined Russia makes ending the conflict in Ukraine practically impossible, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told Spain’s 24 HorasTV channel today. “No one will recognize . . . READ MORE . . .
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Ukraine Condemns ‘Illegal Detention’ Of Nuclear Plant Chief: Ministry. From AFP. Kyiv said today it condemned “in the strongest terms the illegal detention” by Russians of the director of Ukraine’s Moscow-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. “The crime is yet another act of state terrorism by Russia and . . . READ MORE . . .
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Understanding Putin’s moves as he annexes even more of Ukraine. Reported by Ailsa Chang, Kathryn Fox and Bridget Kelley | NPR Russian President Vladimir Putin illegally annexed four more Ukrainian regions Friday. NPR’s Juana Summers speaks with senior policy researcher at the RAND corporation Dara Massicot about the move. Click HERE to listen and read.
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The real world impact of Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian regions. Reported by Jason Beaubien | NPR Russian President Vladimir Putin has formally annexed four regions of Ukraine. Ukraine responded by submitting an application to quickly ascend into NATO. The moves are an escalation in the conflict. Click HERE to listen and read.
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Ukrainian villages grapple with the effects of Russia’s sham referendum. Reported by Kat Lonsdorf | NPR In Ukrainian villages on the front line, Russia’s illegal annexation of Ukrainian regions may further complicate life. Click HERE to listen and, some other time, read.
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TO BE CONTINUED