Ukraine, 4-25-23

First, links to reports from the Associated Press, National Public Radio, Tass, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, via antiwar.com, commentary from Responsible Statecraft. — MCM

   

UN chief and West berate Russia’s top diplomat over Ukraine, by Edith M. Lederer | AP  UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations chief and representatives from Western nations berated Russia’s top diplomat as he chaired a U.N. meeting Monday, accusing Moscow of violating the U.N. Charter by attacking Ukraine and occupying part of its territory. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov responded . . . READ MORE . . .

   

2 killed, 10 wounded as Russian forces hit Ukrainian museum, by Hanna Arhirova | AP  KYIV — A Russian missile hit a museum building in a Ukrainian city on today, killing at least two people and wounding 10 others, part of a relentless barrage that comes as Ukraine is readying its forces for an expected spring counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials said the Russian military used S-300 air defense missiles to attack Kupiansk in the Kharkiv region, hitting . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Thousands of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have died in the battle for Bakhmut. Reported by Joanna Kakissis |  NPR  As Russia advances on Bakhmut, the loved ones of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war’s longest battle mourn at an ever-growing cemetery in Kyiv, and pin their hopes on an imminent counteroffensive. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

   

Russian forces thwart Kiev’s counteroffensive in Artyomovsk, top brass reports. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian assault teams continue fighting Ukrainian troops in the western areas of Artyomovsk and artillery, combat aircraft and paratroopers thwarted Kiev’s attempt to counter-attack on the flanks over the past day during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Russia’s new T-14 Armata battle tank debuts in Ukraine – State news agency. From Reuters. Russia has begun using its new T-14 Armata battle tanks to fire on Ukrainian positions “but they have not yet participated in direct assault operations,” the RIA state news agency reported on Tuesday, quoting a source close the matter. RIA said that the tanks have been fitted with extra protection on their flanks and crews have undergone “combat . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Afghanistan watchdog: ‘You’re gonna see pilferage’ of Ukraine aid, by Connor Echols | Responsible Statecraft  In March, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) proposed legislation that would have created a special inspector general for Ukraine aid, which would have broad authority to track U.S. aid across all agencies involved in helping Ukraine. The effort failed in a 26-68 vote. According to Hawley, his proposal drew inspiration from the office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, which . . . READ MORE . . .

   

MAY BE CONTINUED