Ukraine, Russia react to controversial US minerals sharing deal + Trump administration notifies Congress of proposal to sell Ukraine $50m or more of ‘defense articles’

Ukraine, Russia react to controversial US minerals sharing deal

The draft published by lawmakers does not include any explicit U.S. security guarantees — long one of Kyiv’s primary demands. However, the agreement “guarantees new deliveries of American weapons, including air defense systems — their cost will be credited to a joint fund,” according to Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Related:

The U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal: What We Know

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Ukraine: Gas and regional geopolitics

Gas and regional geopolitics

“Ukraine and Slovakia will create an energy hub for Eastern Europe,” headlined Ukrainska Pravda on Monday , citing the words of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal after his meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has recovered and returned to his post after the assassination attempt that put his life in danger. Although the Ukrainian media mainly focused on news about energy cooperation, the Slovak president did not hesitate to repeat to Shmyhal his position regarding Ukraine’s geopolitical position. As Politico stated on Monday, the Slovak president said on Sunday in an appearance in a Slovak media that “as long as I lead the government, I will direct the deputies under my control as chairman of the party [Smer] to never accept Ukraine’s accession.” According to Strana, Fico insisted on his “100%” support for Ukraine’s entry into the European Union, but not into NATO. This “no” attitude towards Ukraine’s entry into the military bloc is compounded by Fico’s intention to resume normal relations with Russia if the war ends during his term in office. However, as his meeting with the Ukrainian prime minister shows, this position is not in contradiction with cooperating with Kyiv on issues affecting both countries, including energy.

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“60 Minutes” reveals how US tax dollars are supporting Ukrainian small businesses, farmers, and the salaries of 57,000 first responders

“60 Minutes” reveals how US tax dollars are supporting Ukrainian small businesses, farmers, and the salaries of 57,000 first responders

Related:

In Ukraine, American taxpayers funding more than just the military

DFC CEO Travels to Kyiv in Show of Unwavering Support and Makes Several Announcements to Catalyze $1 Billion in Private Sector Engagement

Lindsey Graham is such a psychopath!

Nuland: US auditors arrive in Ukraine to ensure ‘no aid or weapons are diverted.’ + NABU

Nuland: US auditors arrive in Ukraine to ensure ‘no aid or weapons are diverted.’

This week, the U.S. has its auditors working in Ukraine alongside the World Bank and Deloitte consultants to make sure that “no aid or weapons are diverted,” U.S. Under Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said on Jan. 26.

On Jan. 23, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)* said that it had begun investigating possible corruption in the Defense Ministry’s food procurement.

The statement followed an investigation by Ukrainian news outlet ZN.UA**, which alleged that the Defense Ministry was buying food for soldiers at inflated prices, indicating a possible corruption scheme.

Related:

The Kiev Purge: Turmoil in the Capital

The anti-graft stories are being driven by media outlets connected with Ukraine’s Western partners and Poroshenko, who has become Zelensky’s main competitor, since the latter had opposition leader Viktor Medvedchuk jailed. For example, on January 23, a number of pro-Western journalists launched a direct attack on Andrey Yermak – the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and a key player in the system.

The combat operations in Ukraine merely accelerated these processes. In fact, only three powers can now speak out against the Zelensky-Yermak team— Kiev mayor Vitali Klitschko and his cabinet, the army led by Valery Zaluzhny, and US-controlled structures such as NABU and media affiliated with them. At the same time, decisions regarding resignations are made exclusively by Zelensky and Yermak, who by all means wish to hush up the scandals.

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Notes:

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Ukraine Passes 2023 Budget in Secret, Expects US To Cover Deficit

Ukraine Passes 2023 Budget in Secret, Expects US To Cover Deficit

Last month, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted the government expected a $38 billion deficit. He said the US would provide $18 billion and the European Union and International Monetary Fund would combine to give $12 billion.

Over the past seven months, the White House has spent nearly $70 billion on the war in Ukraine. The US spending on the war includes direct assistance to fund the government in Kiev and weapons transfers.

Western aid to Ukraine is announced almost daily. On Thursday, USAID announced $55 million in assistance for Kiev. On Friday, The IMF approved $1.3 billion in additional emergency funding for Ukraine.

Video-prank with President of Moldova Maia Sandu or “a conversation that did not exist”

Oct 4, 2022 – Russian pranksters Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexey Stolyarov (Vovan and Lexus) communicate with President of Moldova Sandu as Prime Minister of Ukraine.

Full prank with the President of Moldova Maia Sandu from Vovan and Lexus or “a conversation that did not exist” (as the Sandu administration claims).

The President of Moldova was very talkative, thinking that “Prime Minister of Ukraine Shmygal” wanted to give her compromise on opposition politicians.

She told how Moldova hangs on the verge of a total gas and electricity outage. Prices have already soared 10 times, and the president does not know how to stop the growth. Meanwhile, Sandu trades the territory of her own country, offering it to Ukraine.

Sandu also expressed her disappointment about the country’s energy dependence on Gazprom and Pridnestrovie. At the end, the president revealed the future of the Moldovan army and a possible military operation to deoccupy Pridnestrovie. And also about U.S. assistance.

Video-prank with President of Moldova Maia Sandu via Stars Save the Earth