Back Story Newsletter
Good morning, I continue to write about Ukraine instead of other news, because it’s at a critical tipping point, and so consequential for Europe and our World.
Ukraine And Putin’s War
-Humanitarian Aid-
Today the Red Cross will move buses into whats left of the heavily bombed out port city of Mariupol to take supplies, and evacuate some of the desperate people who have been sheltering there in an unimaginable situation for weeks.
An estimate 100 to 170 thousand people remain in Mariupol and have been left little food or water, and no medicine.
Russia and Ukraine say they jointly agreed on the humanitarian corridor but there are worries the escape routes that have been shelled in the past, will come under attack again by Russian forces.
Russian forces have been raiding aid for themselves. Russians confiscated 14 tons of humanitarian aid from buses bound for Melitopol in southern Ukraine Thursday.
And, Russian forces also blocked 45 buses going to Berdiansk en route to Mariupol, so local officials.
-Energy-
Today is a deadline set by Russian President Putin, demanding Europe (All of which he now deems unfriendly) pay for gas in Russian Rubles, setting the stage for a showdown with countries that have refused to comply.
More than 30% of Europes energy supplies come from Russia, so any break in supply would cause an energy crisis but it would hurt Russia’s cash flow. And European leaders refuse to support Russia’s Ruble currency which has nearly recovered after collapsing several weeks ago
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the payments for Russian gas is made according to the existing contracts. "That's the way it is, it will stay that way, and I made that clear yesterday in my conversation with President Putin," he said on Twitter.
It is unclear if Putin will order the gas to be turned off, but his threat is clear.
-No Russian Withdrawal-
Ukraine’s President Zelenskiy has dismissed promises made by Russia earlier in the week to with draw some forces as another lie.
In peace talks this week, Russia said it would scale back attacks on the capital Kyiv and the city of Chernigiv, but Ukrainian and Western officials have dismissed the pledge, saying Moscow's troops were merely regrouping.
"This is part of their tactics," said Zelensky in a late-night address.
"We know that they are moving away from the areas where we are beating them to focus on others that are very important... where it can be difficult for us," he said.
This is Zelenskiy also without explanation dismissed two top Generals, saying they “were anti-heroes and traitors”.
President Biden indicated Russian leader Putin had also taken action against some of his inner circle over failings in Ukraine. “He seems to be self isolated, and some indication that he has fired or put under arrest some of his advisors” said Biden.
What’s important to note this week, is there are many indications the war is intensifying. That Russia’s Putin won’t stop, and appears to be focusing on taking over Eastern Ukraine and the Southern coast leading to Crimea.
The war will not be fought in weeks, but it appears in months, and only huge weapons supplies to Ukraine can turn the tide. And we are a long way from seeing Ukraine win the battle field in many locations.
Britain’s defence secretary has said western nations have agreed to send armoured vehicles and long-range artillery after a special donor conference attended by more than 35 countries, including the US.
Ben Wallace, said there would be “more lethal aid going into Ukraine” but that it would not include tanks.
-Attack Inside Russia-
An oil depot is reportedly on fire in the Russian city of Belgorod as the regional governor blames Ukrainian military helicopters for the attack.
Vyacheslav Gladkov said the fire was caused by air strikes from two Ukrainian helicopters that had crossed the border at low altitude, in a statement on his Telegram channel on Friday morning and video shows the explosions and missiles.
That’s a quick wrap on Ukraine this morning. Have a good weekend everyone.
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Dana