Relations between China and Russia are based on the principles of “non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-attacking third parties”. New Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in his first press briefing on the sidelines of Parliament’s annual session, noted that if the two countries “work together,” the world will have a driving force toward multipolarity and more democracy in international relations. “The global strategic balance and stability will be better ensured
Deputy Prime Minister, “Less than 4,000 civilians remain in Bakhmut, including 38 children”
Fewer than 4,000 civilians, including 38 children, remain in the besieged city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. This was stated by Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk on national television. Bakhmut, an industrial city with numerous peace factories, was home to 70,000 people (including 12,000 children) before the Russian war in Ukraine.
Podolyak, ‘Anti-terror attack by Minsk partisans in Belarus’
Kiev has dismissed Minsk’s allegations of alleged Ukrainian responsibility for the February 26 attack on a Russian A-50 reconnaissance plane at an air base in Belarus. “We need to clarify the definitions. A terrorist attack occurs when rockets are fired at Ukrainian cities from the territory of Belarus. The sabotage takes place when subversive groups enter the Belarusian border. The A-50 attack is an anti-terrorist act carried out by local partisans, among others,” Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted. Belarusian President Alexsandr Lukashenko today announced the arrest of the suspected perpetrator of the A-50 attack, saying he had been trained by the services of Kiev and the CIA to carry out “terrorist attacks”. The Minsk leader attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zeelensky, calling him a “bastard” and accusing him of authorizing what he calls “an act of sabotage”.
Lukashenko, Zelenskyy knew about the sabotage
“I once thought that Ukraine needs peace, that Zelenskyy should cheer on his people, but such operations are not carried out without the coordination of the country’s leader. I tell you this as President. For example, Aleksandr Lukashenko, President of Belarus, has accused his Ukrainian counterpart of knowing about the sabotage of the Russian A-50 plane that was at the Belarusian airport of Machulishchi. This is reported by the Belta agency.
Tomorrow Guterres in Kiev from Zelensky for the agreement on wheat
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev tomorrow to discuss extending the agreement with Moscow allowing the export of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea, The Guardian writes. “The Secretary-General has just arrived in Poland on his way to Ukraine,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said today, adding that Guterres will discuss the continuation of the agreement “in all its aspects and other relevant issues”.
Prigozhin: “Let’s stop saying that we took Bakhmut”
“I have a big request for all respected journalists. Let’s stop running in front of the locomotive and saying that we have Bakhmut and what will happen next». This was written in Telegram Yevgeniy Prigozhin, head of the Wagner group. Prigozhin added a metaphor: “A sad story about an unkilled bear says we won’t split the skin, but nobody talks about the consequences of trying to remove that skin from a bear that’s still alive. Let’s kill this bear. Believe me, we are doing everything for this, even if we are not yet supplied with ammunition, military equipment, weapons and vehicles.”
Albania: Moscow steps up efforts to influence Balkans
The Western Balkans “remains a complex area” and Russia poses “a threat” to the region’s stability as it has “increased its efforts to influence the area using illicit financing and hybrid methods”. This was stated by Albanian President Bajram Begaj during the press conference after the meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. According to Begaj, NATO is having a positive impact on the region, which can be seen in the “success” of the KFOR mission in Kosovo.
Minsk, Russian plane saboteurs arrested, including 007 from Kiev
The suspected saboteurs of the Russian plane A-50, which was at the Belarusian airport of Machulishchi, were arrested. This was announced by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, as reported by the Belta agency. Among those arrested was “a terrorist” trained “by the Ukrainian security services and the CIA” in “an operation against the Republic of Belarus behind our backs.” He is a Russian citizen with a Russian and a Ukrainian passport,” Lukashenko said.
Poland sends another 10 Leopard 2 tanks
Poland will send more tanks to Ukraine this week, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said today, according to the Guardian. “Four (tanks) are already in Ukraine, ten more will go to Ukraine this week,” Blaszczak said at a press conference. Poland had promised to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Kiev.
Russia: 8 years for bloggers for criticizing the Ukrainian invasion
A Moscow court has sentenced blogger Dmitry Ivanov to eight and a half years in prison for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, Novaya Gazeta reports, citing MediaZona. Ivanov, who edits a Telegram channel called “Protestniy Mgu,” is a 23-year-old mathematics and computer science student at Lomonosov University in Moscow. Authorities have charged him under the new gag law, which offers up to 15 years in prison for disseminating information about the army that Russian authorities should deem “false”.
Kiev, soldier identified in Bakhmut killed in shock video
The Ukrainian prisoner killed in cold blood by Moscow forces has been identified. According to Ukrainian Army reports on Telegram, “the victim is Tymofiy Mykolayovych Shadura, a soldier of the 30th brigade” who took part in the fighting near Bakhmut and has been missing since February 3. According to some media, the man was 40 years old
Kiev war continues, GDP estimates revised down
Ukraine’s GDP estimates have been revised downwards: the Economy Ministry expects growth of 1%, versus the previous estimate of +3.2%, as hostilities are expected to last “almost a full year”. “Inflation is declining, we have passed the peak, it should fall from 26.6 percent to 24 percent,” added Deputy Minister Serhiy Sobolev, quoted by the Kiev media.
Moscow’s capture of Bakhmut will allow the Russians to advance further
“The capture of the city of Bakhmut by Russian troops will allow Russian Federation soldiers to continue their offensive deep into Ukraine’s defenses,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a video conference with the leadership of the Russian armed forces, according to TASS reports.
Authorities of Kherson civilians are leaving the city
Kherson authorities are urging residents to leave the city on evacuation buses. “The enemies have launched a systematic and massive bombardment. Most of the bullets end up in residential areas, we invite you to use the means of evacuation so as not to endanger your life and that of your loved ones, ”read a statement from the local council published on Telegram.
Sources Born, 5 Russians die in Bakhmut for every Ukrainian
For every Ukrainian soldier killed defending Bakhmut, the besieged city in eastern Ukraine, Russian forces lose at least five, an anonymous NATO military official told CNN, adding that it was an estimate based on intelligence information. Despite the positive report, the official stressed that Ukraine suffered significant casualties in defending the city.
Pro-Russians, we control almost half of Bakhmut
Russian forces control about half of Bakhmut. This was supported by Yan Gagin, advisor to the acting head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Denys Pushylin. “Our artillery, equipment and troops are already in the city” and “control almost half” of its territory, he told TV channel Rossiya-24.
Peskow, “no prerequisites for peace, the US is fueling the conflict”
There are no prerequisites for a peace in Ukraine to move from a war solution to a dialogue leading to a diplomatic solution. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, pointing the finger at the United States, which, as he explained at the press conference, was “feeding the conflict”. According to Peskov, “Washington does not want this war to end, Washington wants and is doing everything it can to continue this war”. In Ukraine, he added, quoted by RIA Novosti, “a special military operation is underway, there are no preconditions for starting a peaceful path. Russia strives to fulfill its tasks and achieve its goals by further advancing military defense.”
The anti-aircraft alert in Ukraine has been suspended
The air-raid alert that was declared across Ukraine this morning has been cancelled, reports Ukrainska Pravda.
Moscow, Bakhmut’s capture will allow the advance to continue
“Bakhmut’s Liberation Continues”. This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, adding that the city in Ukraine’s Donbass represents a basic line of defense for Ukrainian troops and its capture will allow the Russians “to continue the advance deep into Ukraine’s defences”. This was announced by the agency Tass.
Moscow’s Ukrainians lost 11,000 soldiers in February
In February alone, the Ukrainian armed forces lost over 11,000 soldiers, 40 percent more than in January. This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Lavrov, quoted by Russian authorities. On the part of Kyiv, Shoigu said, there is “indifference towards its people” because “it doesn’t take into account the enormous human losses to please its Western sponsors”.
Kremlin: “China’s efforts are good, but there are no conditions for peace”
Russia pays “great attention” to China’s peace initiative for Ukraine, but now “there are no conditions for the situation to take a peaceful path”, and therefore Moscow is trying to achieve its goals “by continuing the military operation”. This is what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by RIA Novosti agency.
Kremlin: “US will do everything to continue the war”
The US “does everything to continue the war in Ukraine”. This is what Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, quoted by RIA Novosti agency.
Lithuania-USA: “Mobilize Transatlantic Engagement for the Baltic Sea”
“As the NATO summit in Vilnius draws near, it is extremely important to discuss with our partners the possible outcomes of the meeting and to discuss ways to strengthen the practical and political partnership between NATO and Ukraine and to further strengthen the Eastern Front of the… to agree an alliance. In a context of uncertainty like the one in which we live, we must mobilize transatlantic efforts in the name of Ukraine’s victory and the security of our region.” -Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed short- and long-term support needs for Ukraine, strengthening NATO’s Eastern Front, energy security, the transatlantic response to political and economic pressure from China, and preparations for the next NATO summit in Vilnius.
Filorussi, «conquered almost half of Bakhmut»
Russian forces control “almost half” of the city of Bakhmut, according to Jan Gagin, adviser to the head of the self-proclaimed pro-Russian Donetsk Republic, Denis Pusilin. “Our troops and our artillery are already in the city and controlling almost half of it,” Gagin said, quoted by the RIA Novosti news agency, adding that there had been a “chaotic departure of various small groups” of Ukrainian soldiers, some of whom they surrender.
GB, Ukrainian troops stabilize defense belt at Bakhmut
Ukrainian forces are likely to have stabilized their defense perimeter at Bakhmut following Russian advances north of the besieged city, Britain’s Defense Ministry wrote in its daily intelligence report. The ministry reminds that around March 2 a Russian attack destroyed a bridge on the only paved road for deliveries to Bakhmut that is still under Ukrainian control. At the moment, he continues, the muddy ground is making it difficult to get supplies to the Ukrainians, who are increasingly turning to unpaved roads. The public disagreements between the Wagner group and the Russian Defense Ministry over ammunition supplies underscore Moscow’s difficulties in maintaining the high levels of manpower and ammunition needed to move forward with the current tactics, London experts conclude, pointing out that both parties in and to suffer heavy casualties the city.
China: US strategy in Indo-Pacific points to Asian NATO
The US Indo-Pacific strategy is an “Asia-Pacific version of NATO”. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang echoed this, saying the strategy forms a “small circle” and promotes “decoupling” in the name of freedom and openness, regional security and prosperity. In his first press conference held on the sidelines of the annual work of the Chinese parliament, the minister stressed that a Ukrainian-style crisis must never again occur in the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should not become a tool for a great power struggle, and Asia should never be a chessboard in a new Cold War.
Media, anti-aircraft alert across the country
Anti-aircraft alerts have been declared across Ukraine, reports The Guardian.
Kiev, killed over 1,000 Russian soldiers yesterday
Ukrainian forces killed 1,060 Russian soldiers yesterday, a number that brings the total number of Moscow forces eliminated to 154,830 since the invasion began in the country, the Kyiv Army General Staff said in its daily update on the situation at the front, as reported by Ukrinform. The army doesn’t say how many Russian men lost their lives in the besieged city of Bakhmut yesterday, but in recent days, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said Russian casualties totaled up to 500 soldiers a day in the battle for the strategic Conquest of the city east of the country. The General Staff report also notes that since the war began, Russia has lost 303 fighters, 289 helicopters and 2,095 drones. Kiev forces also say they destroyed 3,432 Russian tanks, 2,456 artillery systems, 488 multiple missile systems, 253 air defense systems, 873 cruise missiles and 18 ships.
Kiev struck 37 Russian attacks in the Bakhmut region
away
Ukrainian forces repelled 37 Russian attacks in the area around the city of Bakhmut in the east of the country last night, the Kyiv army staff said in its daily update on the situation at the front, the Guardian reported. In total, Russian troops launched 50 airstrikes and five rocket attacks overnight, while Ukrainian forces launched 15 airstrikes against Russian troops, including one attack on an anti-aircraft system. Kiev’s military also said it shot down a SU-25 plane, nine Shaheed drones and eight other Russian drones.
Beijing, we hope that the EU will achieve “true strategic autonomy”.
Beijing hopes that Europe will “gain real strategic autonomy”. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing, effectively urging the European continent to distance itself from the United States. “China-Europe relations are not direct, dependent or subject to third parties,” Qin said on the sidelines of the NPC session. “China always regards the EU as a global strategic partner and supports European integration,” he added. “We hope that, having endured the ordeal of war in Ukraine, Europe will learn from its pain and achieve true strategic autonomy and long-term stability.” adhering to mutual respect and win-win cooperation, overcoming all kinds of obstacles and difficulties, and constantly deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Europe to create more stability, certainty and positive energy in a turbulent world.”
China, with Russia the driving force towards multipolarity
Relations between China and Russia are based on the principles of “non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-attacking third parties”. New Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, in his first press briefing on the sidelines of Parliament’s annual session, noted that if the two countries “work together,” the world will have a driving force toward multipolarity and more democracy in international relations. “global strategic balance and stability will be better ensured”. A relationship that, precisely because “it does not threaten any country, is not subject to interference or discord from any third party”.
Secretary of State, “US Exchange Rate or Disastrous Consequences”
The United States changes its attitude towards China or the consequences of further tensions between the two countries will be “catastrophic”. In his first press briefing, new Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang issues a stark warning to Washington that accompanies President Xi Jinping’s attack on the West “led by the United States, which is” suppressing China. “If the United States does not put on the brakes, but continues to accelerate along the wrong path, no guard rail will be able to prevent the derailment, and there will certainly be conflicts and disputes,” Qin said on the sidelines of the annual session of the People’s Assembly, which opposes ” catastrophic consequences”.
Zelenskyy closes the ranks: Bakhmut must be defended with all his might
Zelenskyy does not want to hand Bakhmut over to the Russians and orders the Ukrainian army to find “all forces” to defend the city.
Russian diplomat at UN, West recruits hackers against Moscow
“The Western bloc is actively recruiting mercenary hackers to conduct operations against Russia and intentionally implicates ordinary users from around the world in these criminal activities,” said the representative of the Russian Federation Irina Tyazhlova, speaking at a meeting of the United Nations open working group spoke about security problems in the use of information and communication technologies, quoted by Tass.
“We believe it is no longer a secret to anyone what has dictated the systematic attempts by the United States and its allies to promote the issue of ‘Russian hackers’ and ‘Russian cyberaggression’. This is done with the sole purpose of hiding their own destructive actions in the information space,” the diplomat said.
“NATO countries are indeed openly moving towards the militarization of the information space, vigorously building their offensive arsenal and improving the methods of conducting cyberattacks,” he stressed -classification of officials in carrying out digital sabotage against Russia”.
China never supplied arms to warring factions
Beijing “has not supplied arms to either side of the Ukrainian conflict. China is neither the architect of the crisis nor a directly affected party. So why threaten sanctions against China? This is absolutely unacceptable.” The new foreign minister, Qin Gang, in his first briefing with the media on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary work, alluded to an “invisible hand” that seems to be propping up a protracted crisis. “It’s a tragedy that would have can be avoided: China chooses peace over war, dialogue over sanctions” and de-escalation over escalation,” Qin noted on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
View at ilsole24ore.com