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Updates on the Ukraine

  • Mariupol has been declared liberated and it is being called the 2nd Liberation of Mariupol.  Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that “The Total Liberation of Mariupol by the Allied Forces has been achieved”, with only the Azovstal Industrial Zone stronghold and its underground regions under the control of the Nationalist Forces of the Azov Regiment and remnants of the Ukrainian Regular Army in the city.
  • The Azovstal plant will not be stormed but tightly encircled.  Putin ordered to cancel the assault on Azovstal in order to save the lives of Russian military personnel, as well as completely block the enterprise.  “There is no need to climb into the catacombs, it is necessary to block the industrial zone in Azovstal so that the fly does not fly.”  This is a siege to starvation or surrender.  Lone Wolf has more complete details here: http://10.16.86.131/sitrep-operation-z-12/#comment-1075175
  • The Easter truce or cease-fire requested by the UN has been rejected by Russia, on the grounds that their experience is that the Ukies will use the time to re-arm and re-position.
  • Russia has all the necessary financial resources, no default threatens the country – Nabiullina

Update on Gonzalo Lira

For all that still believe that Scott Ritter reported Gonzalo’s killing, Ritter posted a clarification:

A point of clarification—I have no direct evidence that Gonzalo has been killed. I was clear I was referring to “reports emerging” about his demise. But Gonzo said any disappearance of more than 12 hours should be treated as if something bad had happened to him. It’s been five days. If this had been a New York Times reporter disappearing in Russian controlled territory, it would be headline news—especially if a Chechen “hunter killer” team had taken credit for his death. But with Gonzo—silence. Which was the whole purpose of the post: to raise awareness about his disappearance.

The full transcript of Mr Lavrov’s press conference with India Today television channel is now posted up.  Highly recommended reading.

Best wishes to Orthodox Christians while celebrating Easter.

Use as open thread.