re: Latest Updates: Russia-Ukraine Conflict

US asks Ukraine to stop strikes on Russian energy infrastructure – FT
European Pravda, Ukrainska Pravda — Friday, 22 March 2024, 10:56

The Financial Times has found out that the United States has purportedly urged Ukraine not to hit Russian oil refineries and other energy infrastructure facilities, as it is concerned that this could lead to higher energy prices and further escalation.

Source: Financial Times (FT) with reference to sources, cited by European Pravda

Details: The FT reported that it spoke to three sources on condition of anonymity. The warning to Kyiv was supposedly repeatedly conveyed to top officials of the Security Service of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, which oversee Ukraine's unmanned attack vehicles development programmes.

One source said the White House is "increasingly frustrated" about Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, terminals and other energy infrastructure in Russia’s west, which have affected Russian production in this area.

One of the reasons for the US concern is that a decline in Russian exports could trigger a global rise in world prices, as Russia remains one of the largest exporters despite the sanctions. The rise in fuel prices could affect the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election.

Washington is also concerned that in response to Ukrainian strikes, Russia could deal damage to energy infrastructure important to Western countries, such as the pipeline that pumps oil from Kazakhstan through Russia for export to global markets.

In response to requests for comment, the US National Security Council said the US "does not encourage or enable" Ukrainian strikes on targets in Russia. No comment was provided from Kyiv.

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Ukraine downs 92 of 151 air targets during Russian mass missile strike

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That fits with what we have been seeing over the past few 6 months. UAF’s air defenses have improved to the point where it takes at least 100 missiles and drones to overwhelm them. Back in the winter of 2022-2023 the air defenses were overwhelmed with 50-60 missiles and drones.

Random tweets

Some Russians finally admit its a war and not a SMO

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Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov: "Yes, it started out as a special military operation, but when the collective West became a participant in this on the side of Ukraine, it became a war for us"

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Russia have dropped the mask this morning and have said that not only is their "special military operation" actually war and that they can't allow Ukraine to exist as a state. This has always been an existential war for Ukraine.

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Peskov called the war a war

"Yes, it started as a special military operation, but as soon as this bunch formed there, when the collective West became a participant in this on the side of Ukraine, it has already become a war for us. I am convinced of that. And everyone should understand this for their internal mobilization.

We have four new federal subjects. And the main thing for us is to secure the people in these subjects and to liberate the territory of these subjects, which is currently de facto occupied by the Kyiv regime.

The Russian Federation cannot allow the existence of a state on its borders, which has a documented intention to use any methods to take Crimea, and I'm not even talking about the territory of the new regions," Peskov said.

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There were two direct hits to the Dnipro HPP - HPP-1 and HPP-2. It is not known to what extent HPP-2 will be able to continue working, it is seriously damaged, – director of of Ukrhydroenergo Ihor Sirota.

There is a hit in one support, the crane beams are broken. According to him, during the day it will be clear what happened and whether HPP-2 will be able to operate

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In Dnipropetrovsk region, more than 1,000 miners are stuck underground due to a power outage, - DTEK.

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To support the safe operation of the energy system, emergency assistance from the energy systems of Romania, Slovakia, Poland, — Ukrenergo, is involved.

Dozens of power system facilities were damaged: thermal and hydroelectric power plants, trunk networks of NEC "Ukrenergo", Obelenergo networks. The most difficult situation is in Kharkiv, Odesa, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi regions.

Emergency shutdowns are used in 7 regions

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The International Monetary Fund has approved a credit tranche of almost 880 million dollars for Ukraine

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Fires are reported to still be Burning this morning at several Locations on the Dnipro Dam within the City of Zaporizhzhia; however, Ukrainian Energy Officials have now stated that the Integrity of the Dam appears to be Stable and that there is currently No Risk of Breaching or Flooding.

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Don't worry, more missiles coming tonight. I can already tell you that Ukraine "intercepted 100% of them" Whomp whomp

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I meant to ask Colt this last night and forgot. How did you know that there were more missiles coming? Colt made his post at 8:28 pm yesterday which was only 2 minutes after the first reports of the air raid sirens going off appeared on social media. That is an awfully fast response time to spread the news. Coincidence? Given his post history, I think not.

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Given his post history, I think not.

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In their defense anyone with a pulse could have probably made that call, but yeah given the account creation date and only posting Russian approved talking points fits the MO of every other paid Russian troll that came to this thread

Moniker registered in 2023 should have St. Petersburg as his location. I always wonder with some monikers and registration date Russian cheerleaders. Do they wear skirts too and where does the thumb disappear when held up by a(nother) male chearleader?

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I want this over as fast as possible so our politicians can't drag this shite out for years. I also want it to discourage our moronic leaders from continuing to start proxy wars and regime changes all around the world. This country is in a straight free-fall and I have seen at least a dozen politicians holding press conferences talking about what Ukraine needs, what about us? I truly feel like they are pushing us into WW3, the comments by NATO this week are disturbing. The sooner this is over, the sooner people can see that Russia has no interest in invading western European nations.

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There you go, its pretty simple isnt it, thank you Colt.

So you want Ukraine to be part of Russia. Got it

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Probably has something to do with Zelensky having people imprisoned for posting pics? Unless it's a civilian building, then it's posted everywhere with Zelensky dialing up the crocodile tears.

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ColtRange

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You forgot to congratulate Putin on yet *another* free and fair electoral victory the other day!

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Ukraine downs 92 of 151 air targets during Russian mass missile strike That fits with what we have been seeing over the past few 6 months. UAF’s air defenses have improved to the point where it takes at least 100 missiles and drones to overwhelm them. Back in the winter of 2022-2023 the air defenses were overwhelmed with 50-60 missiles and drones. This is how you define success? Its akin to standing in front of a firing squad and denoting that some of the bullets missed??????

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According to the senior NATO official, Russia is producing between 115 to 130 long-range missiles, and 300 to 350 one-way attack drones based on an Iranian model provided by Tehran, each month. Although before the war, Russia had a stockpile of thousands of long-range missiles in its arsenal, today it is hovering around 700, the official said.

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Russia fired 29 cruise missiles and 2 ballistic missiles at Kyiv two nights ago and it fired 151 missiles and drones last night. It now takes month’s worth of production for Russia to overwelm Ukraine’s air defenses. Is it a victory? No. However it’s an improvement for Ukraine and a challenge for Russia.