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
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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 . . .
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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.
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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 . . .
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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 . . .
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Ukraine leader pledges push for victory on war anniversary, bKYIV — 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 . . .
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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 . . .
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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.
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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.
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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 . …
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 . . .
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After the fugue, by Caitlin Johnstone | caitlinjohnstone.com After the fugue state clears, / after this whole . . . READ MORE . . .