Ukraine, 10-21-22

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

   

Russian defense minister, U.S. counterpart discuss Ukraine in rare phone call. From the Moscow Times Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu spoke by phone to U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin about topics including the war in Ukraine, Moscow’s Defense Ministry said on its official Telegram channel today. “Current international security matters were discussed, including the situation in Ukraine,” the ministry said, without providing . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Ukrainian forces pile pressure on Russian-held Kherson, by Sabra Ayres and Hanna Arhirova | AP  KYIV — Ukrainian forces continued to pile on the pressure on Russian positions in occupied Kherson today, targeting resupply routes across the Dnieper river as Kyiv inched closer to a full-scale assault to retake the strategic southern port city. As many as 2,000 Russian draftees have poured into the Kherson region “to replenish losses and strengthen . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Ukrainians keep a wary eye on U.S. midterm elections, fearing a loss of support. Reported by Franco Ordoñez | NPR  KYIV — Kyrylo Bessarab, 20, a photographer says the top issues trending on his social media channels are the upcoming U.S. elections and billionaire Elon Musk’s controversial comments about negotiating an end to the war. . . . Plugged-in Ukrainians are keeping a close eye on next month’s U.S. . . . Click HERE to listen and read.

   

Ukraine says world must stop Russia getting missiles from Iran, by Stefaniia Bern | Reuters KYIV — Ukraine is taking down 85% of Iranian-made “kamikaze” drones fired by Russia but needs its allies’ support to prevent Tehran selling Moscow ballistic missiles, an air force spokesperson said today. . . . But an Air Force spokesman indicated air defenses indicated they were less effective against . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Poll reveals level of Russian public’s confidence in Putin. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian citizens’ confidence in President Vladimir Putin dropped by 0.3% and stood at 80.6%, according to the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center that published the results of a survey conducted from October 10 to 16 among 1,600 respondents aged over 18. The approval rate of the Russian president’s work was 77% (+1.4 % over the week . . . READ MORE . . . 

   

TO BE CONTINUED