First, links to reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Tass, National Public Radio, and the Associated Press; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, from the Irish Times, opinion from a professor of government and international affairs at Virginia Tech, and from an Australian commentator who recommended his article. — MCM
– – –
Putin says civilians in Ukraine’s Kherson should be evacuated, by Felix Light | Reuters LONDON — Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that civilians in Ukraine’s Kherson region should be evacuated from the conflict zone, the Kremlin’s first acknowledgement of a deteriorating situation in the region he claims to have annexed. “Now, of course, . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Russian strikes leave 4.5 million without power in Ukraine. From AFP. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of “energy terrorism” on Thursday night, after renewed strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure left some 4.5 million people without power. “The very fact that Russia is resorting to energy terrorism,” he said . . . READ MORE . …
– – –
Russian Defense Ministry announces return of 107 troops from Ukrainian captivity. From Tass. MOSCOW — As many as 107 Russian service members returned from Kiev-controlled territory as a result of negotiations, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. It was the third prisoner swap in a little over two weeks, totaling as many as 267 Russian prisoners. READ MORE . . .
– – –
Antony Blinken discusses Ukraine’s energy crisis ahead of talks with G7 countries. Reported by Michele Kelemen| NPR Diplomats from the group of 7 are discussing winter aid for Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
– – –
War fallout, aid demands overshadow climate talks in Egypt, by Frank Jordans and Seth Bornstein | AP BERLIN — Shifting geopolitical tiles including adevastating war in Ukraine, skyrocketing energy and food prices, and growing enmity between the West on the one hand and Russia and China on the other are making for difficult conditions at a gathering next week in Egypt on climate change that requires cooperation and . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
What life is like for those living in the Russian-occupied city of Kherson. Reported by Franco Ordoñez | NPR A potential battle for the Russian-occupied city of Kherson could change the trajectory of the Ukrainian war. For those stuck there, life is hard and dangerous. Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
Ukraine risks being locked into endless war in bid for perfect peace, by Gerard Toal | The Irish Times Talking peace is not popular in Ukraine right now. Given the context this is understandable. Russia is terrorising Ukrainians in their homes with missiles and drones. Its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure – its electricity grid, water and heat systems – threaten millions with a cold, dark winter. This follows . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
The farther people are from the fighting in Ukraine, the more they oppose peace talks, by Caitlin Johnstone | caitlinjohnstone.com Remember this as you watch pundits and politicians calling for escalations in Ukraine from Washington DC, Los Angeles and London. Remember this as you watch armchair . . . READ MORE . . .