Ukraine, 9-16-23

For now, links to reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Tass, and National Public Radio, followed by links to an op-ed piece in today’s Berkshire Eagle, to commentary from Consortium News, and to a podcast interview; other offerings from these sources are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

   

Poland, Hungary, Slovakia to introduce bans on Ukraine grains, by Julia Payne and Alan Charlish | Reuters  BRUSSELS / WARSAW — Poland, Slovakia and Hungary announced their own restrictions on Ukrainian grain imports on Friday after the European Commission decided not to extend its ban on imports into Ukraine’s five EU neighbours. Ukraine was one of the world’s top grain exporters before . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Russia denies losing frontline village to Ukraine forces. From AFP. Russia said today its forces had not been pushed out of Andriivka, a village near the key frontline town of Bakhmut, a day after Ukraine said it had “liberated” the site and inflicted heavy losses on enemy troops. Andriivka is around 14 kilometers (nine miles) south of Bakhmut in the Donetsk region, where . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Russian armed forces deliver 11 strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure over week. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian forces have delivered 11 massive surgical strikes on port infrastructure targets, personnel locations and the production and storage facilities of Ukrainian unmanned motorboats over a week, the Russian Defense Ministry said. It said the strikes disrupted supplies to Ukrainian troops in the Donetsk and Zaporozhye areas and eliminated a large . . . READ MORE . . .

   

In Ukraine’s Odesa, a Soviet-era writer remains a powerful figure. Reported by Joanna Kakissis | NPR  A century ago, author Isaac Babel immortalized the Jewish community in one of Ukraine’s principal cities. He’s still remembered fondly today. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

   

Ukrainian strikes deep behind Russia’s front lines boost Zelenskyy for Biden meeting, by James Brooke | The Berkshire Eagle  Ukrainian rockets destroyed $1.5 billion worth of Russian warships and anti-aircraft systems in Crimea this week. Seen around the world, the dramatic videos of the fireballs and explosions will boost Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is set to arrive in the U.S. on Sunday. In New York, he will address the United Nations General Assembly. In Washington, he will meet U.S. President Joe Biden. The fireworks in Russia-controlled Crimea follow . . . READ MORE . . .

   

Westmoreland revisited, by Barbara Koeppel | Consortium News At the end of 1967, the Vietnam War was a stalemate — at least to those who could see straight. Some, like Gen. William Westmoreland, who commanded the American forces, couldn’t. Thus, in November 1967, he claimed “a new phase is starting” in Vietnam.” What’s more, he “could see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Despite his rosy . . . READ MORE . . .

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‘Ep. 97: Ask the Inspector.’ Jeff Norman of the U.S. Tour of Duty podcast hosts Scott Ridder, a former U.S. Marine Corps intelligence officer and former UN arms inspector as Ritter responds to questions and comments from around the world. This “Episode 97” podcast took place on Sept. 11. Click HERE to watch and listen.

   

MAY BE CONTINUED