I tried to find this on YouTube with no luck. This is Trae Crowder at his best. ON DAVID PECKER AND THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER AND ALL THAT pic.twitter.com/230FG0Iam7 — Trae Crowder (@traecrowder) April 23, 2024 Open thread.
Open Threads
War for Ukraine Day 791: Ukraine Waits as the Senate Debates
by Adam L Silverman| 28 Comments
This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine
Just two quick housekeeping notes. First, tonight and tomorrow night’s updates will be brief. Just a couple of long days so I’ve got less time to do deep dives. Second, several of you have asked after Rosa, aka Rosie, aka the Flooferina. She has now had two chemo treatments. When we took her in for …
War for Ukraine Day 791: Ukraine Waits as the Senate DebatesPost + Comments (28)
Ukraine Withstands Terrorists’ Attacks Because There is Always Someone Willing to Become a Pillar of Life – Address by the President
23 April 2024 – 19:55
Dear Ukrainians!
For this day I’d like to thank all those who really do their best to keep lives going.
I thank our warriors, each one of those who are at the front now, on combat missions, in positions, at posts, and all those who train our warriors and prepare Ukrainian brigades. I thank all the volunteers who support our defense, our active actions, all our combat medics, and each doctor who saves the wounded. I thank everyone who implements new technologies in the Ukrainian army, who makes our strikes more accurate and who fights for Ukraine exactly as one should fight for one’s home. Today I spoke with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, among other things, about how to strengthen our warriors in key areas of the frontline. And special attention is now being paid to the Donetsk region. I am grateful to all those who are truly resilient and who support the warriors in their positions nearby with their courage.
I thank all those who work at our defense production facilities – at hundreds of companies that do their best to make our country stronger. Ukrainian artillery, Ukrainian missiles, our drones, Ukrainian equipment, Ukrainian ammunition, Ukrainian electronic warfare systems, Ukrainian defense software – I thank everyone whose contribution helps Ukraine fight. This is at least 300,000 employees at the enterprises that are directly related to the defense industry. I also thank every company that cooperates with them and helps them. I am grateful to all the partners who help and implement agreements on joint defense projects. Our production should increasingly supplement the supply of weapons from our partners each month, and this is the goal we set: more Ukrainian weapons every month.
Today, we also have some much-needed good news about military packages from our partners – a new package from the UK. Half a billion pounds. We have discussed the details with Prime Minister Sunak, and the main thing is to deliver the weapons to Ukraine on time. The kind of missiles that we need. Armored vehicles that are expected at the front. Air defense systems. As well as boats to ensure our economic security in the Black Sea. Thank you, Great Britain!
We have also discussed with Prime Minister Sunak the preparation of the first Global Peace Summit. It is important that as many countries as possible participate in it. The Summit – the Peace Summit – can and must prove that it will be not one person’s decision on how everyone else in the world should live, not someone’s malign power that will determine this, but the world majority – together, on the basis of international law, on the basis of the UN Charter, on the basis of our Peace Formula, which restores the effectiveness of international law. I thank every leader, all political and public figures who are helping us organize the first summit. Today I have held several meetings on this issue – I am grateful to our entire team that is working to ensure that our Peace Formula is fully implemented. We will be engaged in a lot of relevant activities in the coming days and weeks. Together, the world must force Russia to peace.
One more thing. Today, Russian terrorists attacked our lives again. Odesa, cities, towns and communities of Dnipropetrovsk region, Donetsk region, our Kostyantynivka, Kharkiv region, Mykolaiv, Kherson region… Every time there is someone to save lives, extinguish fires, demine, help our people, our communities – in all the regions of Ukraine, in every city, in all districts, no matter how close they are to the frontline or the border with Russia. I thank the entire staff of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, all the officers of the National Police who care about people, everyone who works in emergency medical teams. Today, Ukrainian psychologists celebrate their professional holiday, and I thank everyone who helps our people to overcome all the emotional and psychological challenges of this time of war. I am also grateful to all those who are already rebuilding life in Ukraine. Ukraine can withstand the attacks of terrorists because there is always someone willing to become a pillar of life. We also appreciate every country that helps us with the rebuilding process. Today, I had the opportunity to thank Denmark, as the Danish Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs was on his visit to Ukraine. We discussed, among other things, Danish patronage of our Mykolaiv region, joint projects that have already been implemented and are still planned. We also talked about working together to restore our energy sector, which was destroyed by Russian strikes. It was a productive visit, thank you for the additional support of €380 million.
I thank all who are with Ukraine and in Ukraine! I thank everyone who contributes to the strength of the Ukrainian defense every day! Everyone should now find their own way to be part of the nation that is fighting and will definitely win.
Glory to Ukraine!
While we wait for the Master Debaters of the Senate to finish doing what they do best, wasting hot air and tax payer’s dollars, the United Kingdom has stepped up.
Read the full announcement: https://t.co/R7Dze3W8BK
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) April 23, 2024
Here’s the relevant bits from His Majesty’s government:
Delivering a speech alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Poland, a country at the vanguard of the continent’s defence, the Prime Minister said we are at a turning point in European security and urged allies to step up.
An axis of autocratic states like Russia, Iran and China are increasingly working together to undermine democracies and reshape the world order. They are also investing heavily in their own militaries and in cyber capabilities and in low-cost technology, like the Shahed attack drones Iran fired towards Israel last weekend.
This poses a direct threat to the lives and livelihoods of people in the UK, as well as across Europe and the wider world. The Government has already committed record investment in defence and the UK armed forces are world-leading – but the Prime Minister has said that we must take further action now to deter these growing threats.
- Backing Ukraine’s defence: Ukraine’s security is our security. As part of this plan, the Government will commit an additional £500 million this year for the ammunition, air defence and drones Ukraine needs; the largest-ever single delivery of military equipment to Ukraine’s frontlines; and a cast-iron commitment to maintain existing levels of support to Ukraine for as long as it Is needed.
Britain's largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine: £500 million boost including 60 ships, air defenses, and Storm Shadows. Thank you, Britain! 💪🏻🇺🇦 🇬🇧 Russia, get ready. pic.twitter.com/x3BIIEzsHl
— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) April 23, 2024
The UK is providing £500m in additional military funding to support Ukraine and its largest-ever package of equipment, which includes:
•60 boats including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns.
•More than 1,600 strike and air… pic.twitter.com/hyM0Fhx5x9— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 23, 2024
The UK is providing £500m in additional military funding to support Ukraine and its largest-ever package of equipment, which includes:
•60 boats including offshore raiding craft, rigid raiding craft and dive boats as well as maritime guns.
•More than 1,600 strike and air defense missiles, as well as additional Storm Shadow long-range precision-guided missiles.
•More than 400 vehicles, including 160 protected mobility ‘Husky’ vehicles, 162 armored vehicles and 78 all-terrain vehicles.
•Nearly 4 million rounds of small arms ammunition.We are grateful to the UK for its unwavering support.
The solidarity of the free world will ensure the victory of democracy over tyranny.
Together, we will win!
I don’t think the protected mobility vehicles should be body shamed. They’re just big boned.
Lithuania continues to contribute as well:
Lithuania has handed over M577 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Also, Lithuania delivered a disassembled L-39ZA "Albatros" light attack aircraft.
We are grateful to our Lithuanian friends for their unwavering support. The power of unity brings victory closer.
🇺🇦🤝🇱🇹… pic.twitter.com/PpuVmej8f4— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 23, 2024
Lithuania has handed over M577 armored personnel carriers to Ukraine. Also, Lithuania delivered a disassembled L-39ZA “Albatros” light attack aircraft.
We are grateful to our Lithuanian friends for their unwavering support. The power of unity brings victory closer.
🇺🇦🤝🇱🇹
#WhateverVictoryTakes
@Lithuanian_MoD @LKasciunas
Denmark:
Since this is getting a lot of retweets:
For any Danes reading, while we can be proud of what we are doing, we can do better:https://t.co/ox3DJzevuu— Troels Just (@Tsuroerusu) April 23, 2024
Czechia:
It’s the third year of the war and the Czech president has to reiterate points that should’ve become obvious to everyone a long time ago.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) April 23, 2024
Tohohle chlapíka jste tady nemohli minout. Nejsledovanější ukrajinský novinář @IAPonomarenko děkoval Česku za pomoc a popisoval, že Petr Pavel je na Ukrajině zdaleka nejoblíbenější zahraniční státník. Velmi otevřený a osobní rozhovor brzy na @Aktualnecz. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/NOD5rQwWm9
— Jan Hejl🇨🇿 (@janhejl) April 23, 2024
Here’s the machine translation into English:
You couldn’t miss this guy here. The most watched Ukrainian journalist @IAPonomarenko thanked the Czech Republic for its help and described that Petr Pavel is by far the most popular foreign statesman in Ukraine. Very open and personal interview coming soon on @Aktualnecz. Stay tuned.
— Illia Ponomarenko 🇺🇦 (@IAPonomarenko) April 23, 2024
Here’s the full video:
The enemy always gets a vote:
With the passage of US military aid for Kyiv imminent, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says his army will step up attacks on Ukraine and won't let up until the goal of Moscow's brutal invasion is achieved: “We will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centers and…
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) April 23, 2024
With the passage of US military aid for Kyiv imminent, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu says his army will step up attacks on Ukraine and won’t let up until the goal of Moscow’s brutal invasion is achieved: “We will increase the intensity of attacks on logistics centers and storage bases for Western weapons. The Russian Armed Forces will continue to carry out assigned tasks until the goals of the special operation are fully achieved,” Shoigu said. – RIA Novosti
Kyiv:
Protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad has always been and remains a priority for the MFA. At the same time, under the circumstances of Russia’s full-scale aggression, the main priority is to protect our Homeland from destruction.
How it looks like now:…
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) April 23, 2024
Protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad has always been and remains a priority for the MFA. At the same time, under the circumstances of Russia’s full-scale aggression, the main priority is to protect our Homeland from destruction.
How it looks like now: a man of conscription age went abroad, showed his state that he does not care about its survival, and then comes and wants to receive services from this state. It does not work this way. Our country is at war.
Besides, the obligation to update one’s documents with the conscription centers existed even before the new law on mobilization was passed. If anyone believes that while someone is fighting far away at the frontline and risking his or her life for this state, someone else is staying abroad but receiving services from this state, then this is not how it works.
Staying abroad does not relieve a citizen of his or her duties to the Homeland. That is why yesterday I ordered measures to restore fair attitudes toward men of conscription age in Ukraine and abroad. This will be fair.
Soon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide further clarifications on the procedure for obtaining consular services within the legal framework for men of conscription age in foreign diplomatic missions as we approach the entry into force of the law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Certain Issues of Military Service, Mobilization and Military Registration”, as well as after it comes into force.
Kharkiv:
These photos of the TV tower destroyed yesterday by the Russians were taken by my colleagues from the Kharkiv Journalists' Solidarity Center. Denying access to independent information is a Russian tactic in this war. @EFJEUROPE @IFJGlobal @nsju_org pic.twitter.com/GIZeAKef7o
— Sergiy Tomilenko (@Stommedia) April 23, 2024
Odesa Oblast:
Odesa region. Defenders of the sky destroy russian Shahed drones.
📹: South Air Command pic.twitter.com/mxqHIl2Fzv
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 23, 2024
Novopavlivka:
Novopavlivka direction. russian armored equipment is being blown up day and night.
📹: Presidential Brigade pic.twitter.com/u9e8chYxeD
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) April 23, 2024
Russian occupied Donetsk Oblast:
/2. The radars on the video above and on the one attached were identified as 9S32M1 radar systems of the S-300V4 air defense systems. https://t.co/IEIcoUpp0a https://t.co/bKsPku2gDE pic.twitter.com/AdUy1IR4mr
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2024
/4. Strike location on one of the S-300V4 radars is located approximately 45km from the frontline.
47.393133,37.654928https://t.co/Y0sorMEYue pic.twitter.com/CKG2luCL4B— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2024
Here’s the full text of tweet 3:
/3. With these published strikes on Russian S-300V4 radars it’s also interesting that a bit earlier in April it became known about the death of the commander of the anti-aircraft missile battery of the Russian 38th anti-aircraft missile brigade, which is armed with S-300V4 air defense systems.
Left bank of the Dnipro, Russian occupied Kherson Oblast:
HIMARS strike on the Russian Grad MLRS. Left bank Kherson region. https://t.co/9rLU5Z2IbE
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2024
Obligatory:
Russian occupied Donbas:
Detonation of Russian 2S5 Giatsint-S self-propelled howitzer. Filmed by Russians. https://t.co/27fIkb6KS3
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2024
Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia:
Fallen Ukrainian kamikaze drone “Lyutyi”. Ulyanovsk region of Russia, at least 730km from the frontline. pic.twitter.com/x5YKiZzXus
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 23, 2024
Moscow:
Evan's appeal has been rejected again. He will remain in the high-security Lefortovo prison till at least June 30. Evan has now spent almost 400 days in a tiny cell. insufferable https://t.co/sXox0ilN5z
— Pjotr Sauer (@PjotrSauer) April 23, 2024
Russia:
Here is a link to the report: https://t.co/CYBSPk1IkQ
— Max Bergmann (@maxbergmann) April 23, 2024
Here is the summary from the Center for Strategic and International Studies:
This report examines Russia’s evolving defense industrial capabilities and limitations during the second year of the Russia-Ukraine war and analyzes how these changes have affected and will continue to affect battlefield outcomes in Ukraine. The report starts with an overview of Russia’s domestic arms production efforts throughout 2023, followed by a detailed examination of key Russian weapons systems (such as tanks, artillery, drones, missiles, and electronic warfare systems) and their changing roles on the battlefield. The report then analyzes Russia’s general procurement dynamics and identifies the imported components and weapons categories that Russia’s defense industry has particularly relied on in the second year of the war. This part includes a case study on China to illuminate Russia’s evolving procurement patterns. The report then dives into analysis of the Kremlin’s remaining weaknesses, which have been aggravated by a long war of attrition and which can have both short- and long-term effects on its military. The final part of the report assesses how Russia’s performance throughout 2023 and its evolving defense capabilities might be translated into its offensive posture in Ukraine in 2024. This part of the report is followed by recommendations to Western policymakers on how to counter the Kremlin’s war effort by capitalizing on the Russian military’s existing vulnerabilities.
Here’s the link to the full report.
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
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Open thread!
Tuesday Evening Open Thread: Vice-President Harris, Doing the Work
This post is in: Excellent Links, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat, Vice-President Harris
who run the world? https://t.co/Kp8nap7dZN — Kirsten Allen (@knicole_a) April 17, 2024 This week's @VP schedule:Tues- Host Passover Seder at VP residence with @SecondGentleman.Wed- NY bound to tape interview with @DrewBarrymoreTV.Thurs- WH remarks for Take Your Child to Work Day.Saturday- Attend with SG for annual @whca Correspondents Dinner. — KAMALA NATION (@KamalaNation) April 22, 2024 …
Tuesday Evening Open Thread: Vice-President Harris, Doing the WorkPost + Comments (98)
In December, Harris announced her nationwide Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour.
In March, she became what is believed to be the first vice president to pay an official visit to an abortion clinic (no president has done so), when she visited a Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Paul, Minn.
No matter how sensitive and knowledgeable men try to be on the issue of reproductive rights, there are still things that we cannot fully connect to. Harris transcends that barrier not only because she’s a woman but also because of her background as a prosecutor…
Harris may never be duly recognized for her contributions to the administration on a broad range of issues, but in the end that may not be her calling.
According to her office, since Roe was overturned, the vice president has held “more than 80 convenings in 20 states.” Being a trusted voice in favor of reproductive rights and against Republicans determined to restrict or eliminate them may be the greater contribution she can make to Biden’s re-election bid and to maintaining national stability.
With this issue, she has hit her stride. With it, the talk of her as a liability has been hushed, for some, by the clear realization of what she brings to the campaign. With it, Harris has a mission, and she’s on it.
.@VP is such a key — and effective — messenger on top issues pic.twitter.com/sPd3W8KJGB
— Jim Messina (@Messina2012) April 21, 2024
NEW from me: Sitting in Las Vegas last week, Kamala Harris told me she is finding these days on the campaign trail “very liberating.”
After her infamously rocky first few years, here’s how she got there: https://t.co/goIaDCdEx1
— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) April 21, 2024
Kamala Harris hadn’t even started building up to her ending when the crowd in Las Vegas — more fired up than any poll would suggest — started chanting, “Four more years!” But she made sure everyone heard the line she’s come up with: “Trump abortion bans.”
And not one pro-Palestinian protester interrupted her that day, or, for that matter, over her four-day campaign swing West.
The vice president is clearly feeling energized these days. She is more engaged. She is looser. Aides say she was the one who pushed to explicitly call out former President Donald Trump as responsible for every rollback in abortion rights, and she is clearly feeding on the old prosecutorial rush of tearing apart the opposition’s argument…
“She has been front and center on so many of the most politically potent issues right now,” said Julie Chavez Rodriguez, who was a top aide to Harris for years before becoming the Biden reelection campaign manager, calling these “new opportunities to speak to the coalitions we know she already has a deep affinity to, but on issues that are top of mind for those voters.”
“As a former prosecutor, she can prosecute the case on so much,” Rodriguez said.
It means getting to talk about gun control and reaching out to younger voters like the gym full of high schoolers in Vegas who cheered even more loudly for her than they did when Marvel actress Xochitl Gomez took the stage first. (“She’s killing it!” an excited 15-year-old in a Barbie-pink denim jacket exclaimed after pushing up to take a photo with Harris as Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” played on the speakers.)…
Watch till the end:
Talked to hundreds of high schoolers in Las Vegas who are passionate about gun violence prevention.
Everybody deserves to be safe from gun violence.
Together, we can make that happen. pic.twitter.com/qZWZEiJmrt
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 18, 2024
Whenever our @VP interacts with kids, you can feel the genuine happy emotions from these children that can not be denied. ?? ?? https://t.co/ydEuGwBCZ3
— KAMALA NATION (@KamalaNation) April 19, 2024
It was an honor to meet you, Madam Vice President. pic.twitter.com/KhydNtKC8o
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 21, 2024
It was great meeting with Lavon and his family in Charlotte, North Carolina and chatting about the legacy of Shirley Chisholm, small businesses, and what our administration is doing to reduce energy bills. pic.twitter.com/jcY3pogm0K
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) April 21, 2024
BREAKING: Donald Trump just canceled his rally in North Carolina because it was raining.
Anyways, here is a video of Kamala Harris dancing at a campaign rally for no reason whatsoever. pic.twitter.com/dHDPF31thL
— Dream for America (@DreamAmerica_) April 22, 2024
Meanwhile, in the Senate… They Are Getting it Done!
This post is in: Open Threads, War in Ukraine
The Senate is voting right now to limit debate. It needs 60 votes to pass, and we are way past that, but apparently everyone has the opportunity to vote even if the threshold has been reached. McConnell had a press conference scheduled for 2:30, which was moved back to 2:45. Link to McConnell. (spit) McConnell …
Meanwhile, in the Senate… They Are Getting it Done!Post + Comments (192)
Trump’s NY Criminal Trial, Day 6
This post is in: Open Threads, Politics, Trump Indictments, Trump’s NY Criminal Trial
It’s Day 2 of the actual trial! Day 6, if you include jury selection. Best sources of live blogging that I have found. Josh Kovensky at TPM – Live Blogging *Mark Sumner at Daily Kos – Live Blogging Tyler McBrien at Lawfare – Live Blogging on Twitter *Mark Sumner at Daily Kos includes live blogging …
Tuesday Morning Open Thread: With Righteousness On Our Side
This post is in: Biden Administration in Action, Open Threads, Proud to Be A Democrat
Not tired of winning and doing what’s best for the American people. “Biden has gotten pretty much everything he’s asked for from this Congress without having to concede much in return.” via @PunchbowlNews https://t.co/1dGalPKy88 pic.twitter.com/QyDHJHFUJB — James Singer (@Jemsinger) April 22, 2024 They want you to believe this man is senile https://t.co/8kcqpcgTjp — Swann Marcus …
Tuesday Morning Open Thread: With Righteousness On Our SidePost + Comments (389)
Breaking: President Joe Biden to speak at Morehouse College commencement #gapol https://t.co/6Vo67PuOQP
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) April 22, 2024
trying to imagine an image better calibrated to cause brain damage among Twitter power users and really the only thing to add would be incorporating anime somehow https://t.co/TYMlhcX4S1
— The Mall Krampus (@cakotz) April 22, 2024
Readership capture:
Today, I announced new federal actions to address staffing shortages in nursing homes and help raise pay for home health care workers.
Care workers provide our loved ones safety, dignity, and self-determination. They do God’s work caring for us – and we must care for them. pic.twitter.com/563LVjPNOR
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) April 22, 2024
Historic move by the Biden administration! New rules will ensure Medicaid dollars support home care worker wages, not just agency profits. It's about fairness and quality care. @VP #CareIsEssential pic.twitter.com/IoHv2AKZR3
— SEIU (@SEIU) April 22, 2024
I extend Passover prayers for peace and safety to Jewish people in San Francisco and around the world. On this holiday, we fight the scourge of antisemitism and pray for the liberation of 133 hostages still being held by Hamas. None of us are truly free until all of us are. -NP pic.twitter.com/kA2UteBcBH
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) April 22, 2024
He's underestimated and underrated at every turn. From securing bipartisan bills in Congress (even with a House GOP) to avoiding the spread of not one but two regional wars into global conflicts, he's crushing it. https://t.co/aG04xcfSVg
— scary lawyerguy (@scarylawyerguy) April 19, 2024
More good news!
Dozens of migrants that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis tricked into flying from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts for a $615,000 taxpayer-funded political stunt have now been granted visas as human trafficking victims of Ron DeSantis's actions.https://t.co/luEXZlDYak
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 23, 2024
War for Ukraine Day 790: Russia Intends to Destroy All of Ukraine’s Power Grid Before New Military Aid Arrives
by Adam L Silverman| 30 Comments
This post is in: Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, Military, Open Threads, Russia, Silverman on Security, War, War in Ukraine
(Image by NEIVANMADE) Just a quick note: a Hag Pesach Sameach/Happy Passover to all celebrating this evening. Russia hit Kharkiv again today. #Ukraine: a 🇷🇺 strike destroyed the #Kharkiv TV tower this afternoon, temporarily suspending TV broadcasts in the city & region. RSF denounces this attack on a civilian infrastructure that constitutes a war crime. …
The Four Priorities Are: Air Defense, Modern Artillery, Long-Range Capability, and Ensuring That the American Aid Arrives as Quickly as Possible – Address by the President
22 April 2024 – 22:40
I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!
Today was a very long day, and most of it was spent on military issues.
I held a meeting of the Staff. In particular, there were reports on the performance of our defense industry – the long-term contracts that are already in place and being fulfilled, and the ones that still require special attention – greater attention. Everyone in the Government of Ukraine and in our Defense Forces clearly understands the tasks at hand. Of course, there was a report by the Commander-in-Chief on the situation at the front. There was also a separate military report today after the Staff’s meeting. The Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine has just delivered a report. Obviously, now all our potential must work even more than one hundred percent to keep the situation under control and return the initiative to Ukraine. Especially since now we finally have a positive shift in terms of American assistance, and are working to ensure that the Ukrainian potential is backed up with exactly the kind of weapons that our warriors need. Not only to hold out, but also to act – to act vigorously in pursuit of Ukrainian goals, to protect our people. Today I spoke with President Biden about this very issue.
I am grateful to Mr. President, his team, everyone in the United States Congress, personally to Speaker Johnson, and all who support the active defense of freedom, for the decision that benefits our protection from Russian terror and our ability to end the war justly, with true peace for all Ukrainians.
Just before the conversation with President Biden began, Russian terrorists struck again at Kharkiv – at the TV tower. Obviously, this is an intimidation to make the terror noticeable to the whole city and to try to limit Kharkiv in terms of communication and access to information. Work is underway to restore the signal. And just like Kharkiv, different cities and communities need protection – they need “Patriots.” And at the same time, we need to inflict maximum damage on everything that Russia uses as a base for terror and for its military logistics. I am grateful to everyone in the world who is willing to help us in this regard, and we are working with our American partners to increase our capabilities. The four priorities are key: protection of the sky, modern artillery, long-range capability, and ensuring that the American support packages arrive as quickly as possible. And today’s result is that in the agreements on ATACMS for Ukraine, all the details have been finalized. Thank you, Mr. President, thank you, Congress, thank you, America!
It is also very important that our teams, from Ukraine and the United States, have started working on a bilateral security agreement. We can make our agreement a true paragon that will not only provide greater security for our people, but also help the entire course of European history proceed in the right direction and only in peace.
Today, I also met with a delegation of congressmen who are visiting Ukraine. Members of the House of Representatives, both parties. We discussed ways to make this year productive for Ukraine and the entire coalition of defenders of the international order. Today, with both the congressmen and President Biden, we also talked about the preparations for the first Global Peace Summit. It is equally important for all of us that the format of the Peace Summit and the Peace Formula become a success story for Ukraine and the world majority, for all those who want to live by the rules of international law and in peace.
Thank you! Thank you to everyone who helps us in Ukraine defeat the Russian terror! Thank you to everyone who protects lives and fights against the Russian occupier. Today I would like to highlight the results of the 35th separate marine brigade operating in the Prydniprovya direction, as well as the 58th separate motorized infantry brigade and the 72nd separate mechanized brigade fighting in the Donetsk region. Thank you, warriors! Thank you to everyone who stands with Ukraine!
Glory to Ukraine!
Chag Pesach Sameach to all Jewish communities in Ukraine and around the world.
For the third year in a row, Jewish families in Ukraine gather around festive tables during times of full-scale Russian aggression, while many Jews defend their families and country on the front…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 22, 2024
Chag Pesach Sameach to all Jewish communities in Ukraine and around the world.
For the third year in a row, Jewish families in Ukraine gather around festive tables during times of full-scale Russian aggression, while many Jews defend their families and country on the front lines.
May this year’s Passover remind us all of the value of life and freedom, which must be protected from aggression and terror. May it renew hope for the inevitable triumph of good over evil.
Politico has reported that the Biden administration is building a larger than expected package of military aid for Ukraine.
The Biden administration is preparing a larger-than-normal package of military aid for Ukraine that will include armored vehicles, in addition to urgently needed artillery and air defenses, according to two U.S. officials.
Defense Department officials are still putting the finishing touches on the potential new tranche, but they want it to be ready to go soon after President Joe Biden signs off on a bill to provide tens of billions of dollars in additional aid for Kyiv, said the officials, who along with others were granted anonymity to speak ahead of an announcement. The Senate is expected to pass the legislation as early as Tuesday, sending it to Biden’s desk.
The package DOD is working on now will be significantly larger than the most recent tranche of $300 million, said one of the U.S. officials, along with a third U.S. official with knowledge of the discussions. The first two U.S. officials said it would include armored vehicles; a fourth person said additional Bradley Fighting Vehicles would be part of the shipment. Older Humvees and M113 armored personnel carriers, as well as missiles, are also expected to be in the package, one of the U.S. officials said.
The administration is preparing a “big package to help meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs,” said the second U.S. official, adding that it will also include artillery and air defenses.
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment.
DOD officials are working to finalize the details of the new package ahead of an expected Senate vote on House-passed legislation authorizing nearly $61 billion for Ukraine. That money will go toward replenishing Pentagon stocks provided to Kyiv, as well as sending new weapons and equipment.
Celeste Wallander, the Pentagon’s assistant secretary for international security affairs, told lawmakers recently that DOD is planning to transfer the aid “within a week or two” after it’s approved.
The Pentagon has sent only one package of aid to Ukraine since December, when it ran out of funding to send additional weapons from its stocks. In March, DOD officials cobbled together $300 million worth of savings from previous contracts to send an emergency package to Kyiv including desperately needed artillery, air defenses, and longer-range missiles.
In addition to the aid, POLITICO reported on Saturday that the U.S. is considering sending as many as 60 military advisers to Kyiv to facilitate the incoming weapons transfers while supporting the Ukrainian government. The advisers would be in a non-combat role.
Senator Schumer has scheduled the Senate to take up the four bills in one aid supplemental sometime tomorrow. The Politico Pro Morning Defense email I received this morning – a former client signed me up – reported the following about the process in the Senate:
The Senate will take two procedural votes Tuesday afternoon on the revised aid package — first to overcome a push by conservative Senate. Mike Lee to reopen the bill for amendments and a second vote to end debate on the legislation.
This four in one bill is subject to a cloture vote, so at least 9 Republicans will have to vote with the Democrats/Democratic aligned Independents to end debate and proceed to the simple majority vote.
Today, I shared with President Zelenskyy that my Administration is ready to quickly provide new security assistance to meet Ukraine's needs on the battlefield.
I urge the Senate to send the national security package to my desk so I can immediately sign it into law.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 22, 2024
Following the vote in the US House of Representatives, I spoke with @POTUS Joe Biden, who assured me that he will sign the bill immediately as soon as it is approved by the Senate.
I appreciate President Biden's unwavering support for Ukraine and true global leadership.
I also… pic.twitter.com/liRv0iTf6O
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 22, 2024
Following the vote in the US House of Representatives, I spoke with @POTUS Joe Biden, who assured me that he will sign the bill immediately as soon as it is approved by the Senate.
I appreciate President Biden’s unwavering support for Ukraine and true global leadership.
I also noted the bill’s bipartisan support and the personal contributions of Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to its passage.
The House’s other decision to allow the confiscation of frozen Russian assets also sends a strong signal to all of our partners.
I also informed President Biden about Russia’s air terror using thousands of missiles, drones, and bombs, including the recent strike on the Kharkiv TV tower just minutes before we spoke. Russia clearly signals its intention to make the city uninhabitable.
We discussed the contents of the next U.S. military aid package. The President has assured me that the package will be approved quickly and that it will be powerful, strengthening our air defense as well as long-range and artillery capabilities.
We also discussed our work on a bilateral security agreement and the preparations for the upcoming Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.
Slovakia:
Shell-by-shell, Slovaks are bypassing Bratislava and pledging cash for military aid for Ukraine themselves.https://t.co/oRtroxuu0a
— POLITICOEurope (@POLITICOEurope) April 21, 2024
Politico Europe has the details:
Shell-by-shell, Slovaks are bypassing Bratislava and pledging cash for military aid for Ukraine themselves.
With the country’s Russia-friendly Prime Minister Robert Fico refusing to sanction the delivery of weapons to Kyiv, some 46,000 individual donors have raised nearly €2.9 million and counting to buy artillery ammunition on the world market for dispatch to the front line under a program set up by Prague this past winter.
“The first goal was €1 million, which seemed to be far away,” said Lucia Štasselová, a 65-year-old local councillor in Bratislava who helped set up the crowd-funding initiative Ammunition for Ukraine. “After seeing the huge solidarity from Slovaks, we dare to think bigger.”
Earlier this year, with Ukraine’s counteroffensive falling flat, Russia asserting dominance in artillery fire and U.S. aid to Kyiv mired in Washington politics, the Czech government set up a platform to gather donations from allied countries to co-finance the purchase of ammunition from producers around the world. In doing so, the aim was to side-step criticism from some EU countries such as France which only wanted to use public cash to support local stocks and raise billions for artillery.
While EU countries such as Germany and Belgium to the likes of Canada and Norway have since lined up to pay into the Czech program, Fico’s government has refused to sanction military help for Ukraine with the prime minister even claiming that Prague “has an interest in supporting the war in Ukraine.”
That prompted a group of politicians and campaigners in Bratislava to launch the crowd-funding initiative last Monday.
“We refuse to accept the denial of aid to a war-torn neighbor,” the Ammunition for Ukraine group says on its website, which lists donations in real time. “We will help Ukraine despite our pro-Russian government.”
The price of a shell varies, but industry experts pitch the price at around €3,500 per unit, meaning the campaign has already covered the cost of more than 800 rounds. The average contribution works out to roughly €62 and the plan, according to Štasselová, is to persuade donors to make regular contributions and also to push for international donations.
The pace of payments in under a week puts the crowd-funding drive ahead of some governments. For example, Slovenia pledged €1 million to the Czech platform, while Latvia has paid €7 million and Sweden €30 million.
“We plan to keep going with the [fund] raising until people are willing to donate,” said Štasselová. “Every euro will be used for purchasing ammunition and weapons for Ukraine.”
Tatarigami and his team have a new assessment of how Russian oligarchs play a major role in both sanction evasion and drone manufactring. From the Thread Reader App:
Russian Oligarchs’ Role in Drone Manufacturing and Sanction Evasion: Investigating sanctions evasion with exclusive documents and email correspondence.
🧵Thread exposing manipulation, cover-ups, and state aid to evade sanctions revealed through leaked documents and emails:
2/ Russian companies aiding military production may not be easily discernible. Consider RusAgro, which presents itself solely as a major agricultural player, owned by sanctioned oligarch Vadim Moshkovich. Another key figure is Maxim Basov – its CEO. Keep these names in mind3/ In addition to their association with RusAgro, Maxim Basov and Vadim Moshkovich co-founded a company called AssistAgro in 2021. Both RusAgro and AssistAgro have been subject to sanctions from both the US and Ukraine.4/ When the invasion of Ukraine by Russia began and sanctions were imposed on oligarchs, some of them made attempts to alter the nominal ownership of companies.5/ Public registries indicate that AssistAgro owners Maxim Basov and Vadim Moshkovich were replaced by new owners, including Ilya Voronkov, linked to Albatros. Albatros LLC is sanctioned by several countries for producing reconnaissance drones for Russia, as per Swiss SECO.6/The drones produced by Albatros were delivered and utilized in Eastern Ukraine against Ukrainian forces during combat operations. Furthermore, this assertion can be independently confirmed through video evidence, which has been published by Russian sources themselves.7/ The ties between these individuals and companies go beyond ownership changes. Through accessing hundreds of emails, we’ve uncovered correspondence among members deliberating on drone-related issues. Discussions involve representatives from RusAgro, AssistAgro, and Albatros.8/ The discussion revolves around testing and issues related to UAVs, accompanied by photos, which further substantiates that these companies are not only linked by common founders but also by collaboration in drone production.9/ With that information in mind, let’s revisit Maxim Basov. On 09.06.2022, Maxim Basov contacted Elvira Nabiullina, the Head of the Central Bank of Russia, asking for the transfer of financial assets from his Cyprus-based company to his own name to evade sanctions.10/ The proposed scheme: The Cyprus company RIGPA LIMITED, owned by Maxim Basov, transfers 54M Rus AGRO depositary receipts, held at brokerage Renaissance Securities, to Basov himself, enabling their use in Russia and avoiding the risk of asset seizure in Cyprus.11/ On the 22nd of August, he receives a rejection letter from the Central Bank, explaining why his requested actions are not applicable to his specific case.12/ On October 26, 2022, Basov sent another request, reaching out to Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev. The name may sound familiar, as he is the son of Nikolai Patrushev, former FSB director and head of the Russian Security Council – one of Putin’s staunchest allies.13/ The balance document issued by Renaissance Broker on February 10, 2023, indicates that the Rus Agro (Ros Agro PLC) depositary receipts are registered under his name – Maxim Basov. This suggests that he successfully transferred them from RIGPA Limited to himself14/ In August 2022, Basov worked with UBS Bank (Switzerland) – specifically with Victoria Sokolova and Ruslan Katov. Victoria sought Basov’s input on a KYC statement regarding his connection to sanctioned Vadim Moshkovich. Basov claimed that he was not his business partner15/It’s a clear fabrication, given that Basov served as CEO at RusAgro under Moshkovich until 2021 and co-founded another company, AssistAgro, with him. Furthermore, in a May 2022 letter to Nabiullina, Basov identified himself as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of RusAgro16/ In another request addressed to the Deputy Minister of Finances, Alexey Moiseev, written in October of 2022, Basov asks to help with his efforts to mitigate the risk of sanctions being imposed on depositary receipts of Rus Agro, and he also links this to oligarch Moshkovich17/ We also noted that Basov was corresponding with an employee of Russian origin to address this issue at UBS Bank. Upon conducting an additional check, we discovered interesting information. According to the Delta Executive Search post, Victoria Sokolova, to quote:18/ …has over 20 years of experience in Corporate and Investment Banking… as a top ranked Equity Research analyst in London and more recently as part of the oligarch coverage team at Sberbank CIB19/ Based on UBS sale documents issued to Rigpa Limited – Maxim’s offshore company registered in Cyprus, it’s evident he continued operating via UBS in 2023. This suggests he likely passed the KYC process, despite affiliations and direct involvement with sanctioned entities.20/ Documentary evidence unequivocally shows the involvement of Maxim Basov, Vadim Moshkovich, and Ilya Voronkov enterprise in drone manufacturing activities, concealed under the guise of existing agricultural enterprises. Not only have they taken proactive steps to evade potential asset seizures through associations, but it appears that Maxim Basov also lied during the KYC process, while UBS may have failed to conduct thorough due diligence. Their efforts to distance themselves from drone production by manipulating formal ownership and transferring assets amidst sanction risks suggest a clear awareness of their involvement in illicit activities, prompting preemptive measures to evade potential repercussions.
Through email correspondence, it has become evident that companies like RusAgro and AssistAgro are directly involved in the production of drones aiding the invasion of Ukraine. Consequently, despite their efforts to conceal their involvement in such activities, there should be a stronger stance from the international community against these companies and their affiliated entities.
21/ If you have found this thread valuable, please consider liking and sharing the thread’s first message. Additionally, we kindly ask for your support, as we do not have any funding outside of your donations and subscriptions:
The Avdiivka front:
47th Brigade repels Russian attacks on the Avdiivka front. https://t.co/6fQdEipyel pic.twitter.com/QHnjoxVVa7
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 22, 2024
Bradley IFV of the 47th Brigade of Ukraine performs a mission to evacuate Ukrainian soldiers from the front line. Avdiivka front. https://t.co/nhxeSpNgQ7 pic.twitter.com/BHpo7wwJkv
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 22, 2024
Chasiv Yar:
Following the AFU Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, President Zelenskyy said that the Russian military leadership has set the task to take Chasiv Yar before May 9 (Victory Day in Russia).
By my assumptions, it is also about the date of May 7, which is the day of Putin's inauguration,… https://t.co/QGw6MmqcrV pic.twitter.com/HGsyytCgzw
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 22, 2024
Following the AFU Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, President Zelenskyy said that the Russian military leadership has set the task to take Chasiv Yar before May 9 (Victory Day in Russia).
By my assumptions, it is also about the date of May 7, which is the day of Putin’s inauguration, and they need at least a small “victory” by the memorable date. Now, the Russian public channels often mention this date as the date of some special “event” that will allegedly hit Ukraine and its allies like a ton of bricks.
Therefore, the Russian Federation is concentrating its efforts on breaking through the defenses west of Bakhmut in order to reach the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal and capture Chasiv Yar. The Russian brigades in this direction have been reinforced with additional ammunition, drones, and electronic warfare equipment.
British intelligence believes that the Russian army is using the same tactics during the offensive at Chasiv Yar as it did during the capture of Avdiivka.
British intelligence agents refer to a report by the Khortytsia operational-strategic group that the enemy drops 20-30 aerial bombs a day in the area of Chasiv Yar.
There will be other “meat assaults,” and Chasiv Yar will be turned into another Avdiivka.
Not quite sure where this is in Ukraine:
Destruction of the Russian 2S4 Tyulpan 240 mm self-propelled heavy mortar.
P.S: I personally have the impression that in recent days there have been more HIMARS strikes on Russian artillery than there have been in recent months. I hope this is not just my feelings, but a real… pic.twitter.com/NJaWbCaEtX
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 22, 2024
Destruction of the Russian 2S4 Tyulpan 240 mm self-propelled heavy mortar.
P.S: I personally have the impression that in recent days there have been more HIMARS strikes on Russian artillery than there have been in recent months. I hope this is not just my feelings, but a real increase in strikes due to the imminent transfer of American military assistance.
Obligatory:
Voronezh, Russia:
Voronezh, Russia, 22 April: A huge fire engulfed the "ELMASH plant", the manufacturer of electric motors, electric generators, transformers, fans, hydraulic and pneumatic power equipment, electrical distribution and control equipment. pic.twitter.com/0uMIX6K6jh
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) April 22, 2024
Russian media report that ELMASH electromechanical plant is on fire in Russian Voronezh.
Local media report that the fire has spread to around 3,000 square meters.
The plant produces gearboxes, gearmotors, brakes, industrial fans, supplies electric motors. pic.twitter.com/1TlmBwyVDM
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 22, 2024
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
First some adjacent material.
I’m pretty sure this violates at least one Geneva Convention!
Why be afraid of Goose?) pic.twitter.com/PXDRUAqdSI
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) April 22, 2024
When these people get the weapons they need, the future is safe. https://t.co/QGClE5ocKh pic.twitter.com/icu96QUUai
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) April 21, 2024
A new video from Patron’s official TikTok!
@patron__dsns ❤️
Open thread!
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