First, links to reports from Tass, Reuters, the Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. Then, a link to commentary by the Berkshire Eagle’s foreign affairs columnist, — MCM
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Oil pipeline administrative building damaged by explosion in Pskov Region – authorities. From Tass. PSKOV, Russia — In an attack of two drones an explosion occurred in Pskov Region’s Nevelsky District this morning, damaging an oil pipeline administrative building, Governor Mikhail Vedernikov said, adding that no one was injured in the incident. READ MORE . . .
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Russian air defenses intercept two Storm Shadow missiles, 19 HIMARS rockets – top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW Russian air defenses intercepted two Storm Shadow missiles, 19 HIMARS rockets, two HARM missiles and shot down 12 Ukrainian combat drones in the past 24 hours, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Lt. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said today. In addition, he said . . . READ MORE . . .
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Kyiv says Russian forces ease attacks on Bakhmut to regroup. From Reuters. KYIV — Russian forces have temporarily eased their attacks on the besieged eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to regroup and strengthen their capabilities, a senior Kyiv official said today. READ MORE . . .
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Russia acknowledges Vatican peace initiative, says no steps yet for a mission to Moscow, by Paolo Santalucia and Nicole Winfield | AP VATICAN CITY — Russia on Friday indicated that it views Pope Francis’ Ukraine peace initiative positively, but stressed that “at the same time, no practical steps have been taken by the Vatican side to organize the trip to Moscow.” READ MORE . . .
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Russia’s Lavrov tells China envoy ‘serious obstacles’ to Ukraine peace. From AFP. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told China’s special envoy Li Hui on Friday that there were “serious obstacles” to resuming peace talks, blaming Ukraine and Western countries. During the meeting with Li, who was China’s ambassador in Russia between 2009 and 2019 . . . READ MORE . . .
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Three strikes for Hungary? Orban’s friendliness with Russia undermines EU’s unity for Ukraine, by James Brooke | The Berkshire Eagle Hungary is blocking $540 million in European Union military to aid to Ukraine. Of the 27 countries in the EU and of the 31 countries in NATO, Hungary stands out as the sole pro-Russia outlier. In contrast to Europe’s overwhelming solidarity with Ukraine . . . READ MORE . . .
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MAY BE CONTINUED