A senior U.S. official is warning that Russia plans to annex much of eastern Ukraine later this month.

Russia plans to annex much of eastern Ukraine later this month, a senior U.S. official warned, and the Mariupol steel mill that is the city’s last stronghold of resistance came under renewed assault a day after the first evacuation of civilians from the plant.

Michael Carpenter, U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said Monday that the U.S. believes the Kremlin also will recognize the southern city of Kherson as an independent republic. Neither move would be recognized by the United States or its allies, he said.

Russia is planning to hold sham referendums in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that would “try to add a veneer of democratic or electoral legitimacy” and attach the entities to Russia, Carpenter said. He also said there were signs that Russia would engineer an independence vote in Kherson.

Mayors and local legislators there have been abducted, internet and cellphone service has been severed and a Russian school curriculum will soon be imposed, Carpenter said. Ukraine’s government says Russia has introduced its ruble as currency there.

More than 100 people — including elderly women and mothers with small children — left Mariupol's rubble-strewn Azovstal steelworks Sunday and set out in buses and ambulances for the Ukrainian-controlled city of Zaporizhzhia, about 140 miles (230 kilometers) to the northwest. Mariupol Deputy Mayor Sergei Orlov told the BBC that the evacuees were making slow progress.

Authorities gave no explanation for the delay.

At least some of the civilians were apparently taken to a village controlled by Russia-backed separatists. The Russian military said some chose to stay in separatist areas, while dozens left for Ukrainian-held territory.

In the past, Ukraine has accused Moscow’s troops of taking civilians against their will to Russia or Russian-controlled areas. The Kremlin has denied it.

The Russian bombardment of the sprawling plant by air, tank and ship resumed after the partial evacuation, Ukraine’s Azov Battalion, which is helping to defend the mill, said on the Telegram messaging app.

Orlov said high-level negotiations were underway among Ukraine, Russia and international organizations on evacuating more people.

The steel-plant evacuation, if successful, would be rare progress in easing the human cost of the almost 10-week war, which has caused particular suffering in Mariupol. Previous attempts to open safe corridors out of the southern port city and other places have broken down, with Ukrainian officials accusing Russian forces of shooting and shelling along agreed-on evacuation routes.

Before the weekend evacuation, overseen by the United Nations and the Red Cross, about 1,000 civilians were believed to be in the plant along with an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian defenders who have refused Russian demands they surrender.

As many as 100,000 people overall may still be in Mariupol, which had a prewar population of more than 400,000.

Russian forces have pounded much of the city into rubble, trapping civilians with little food, water, heat or medicine.

Some Mariupol residents left on their own, often in damaged private cars.

As sunset approached, Mariupol resident Yaroslav Dmytryshyn rattled up to a reception center in Zaporizhzhia in a car with a back seat full of youngsters and two signs taped to the back window: “Children” and “Little ones.”

“I can’t believe we survived,” he said, looking worn but in good spirits after two days on the road.

“There is no Mariupol whatsoever,'' he said. “Someone needs to rebuild it, and it will take millions of tons of gold.” He said they lived just across the railroad tracks from the steel plant. “Ruined,” he said. “The factory is gone completely.”

Anastasiia Dembytska, who took advantage of the cease-fire to leave with her daughter, nephew and dog, said she could see the steelworks from her window, when she dared to look.

“We could see the rockets flying” and clouds of smoke over the plant, she said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Greek state television that remaining civilians in the steel plant were afraid to board buses, fearing they would be taken to Russia. He said the U.N. assured him they could go to areas his government controls.

Mariupol lies in the Donbas, Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, and is key to Russia’s campaign in the east. Its capture would deprive Ukraine of a vital port, allow Russia to establish a land corridor to the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, and free up troops for fighting elsewhere.

More than 1 million people, including nearly 200,000 children, have been taken from Ukraine to Russia, Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday, according to state-owned news agency TASS.

Defense Ministry official Mikhail Mizintsev said that number included 11,550 people, including 1,847 children, in the previous 24 hours, “without the participation of the Ukrainian authorities.”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-03/us-official-russia-plans-to-annex-parts-of-eastern-ukraine%3fcontext=amp

Annexation is allowed.
Putin the great, nemesis of the western Mor0ns

Russia already got size of UK.
If all Odessa is capture then Russia will link all Russia speakers together apart from those in Baltic states.

Some of those weapons EU, UK, USA and her allies sent to Ukraine, will end up in the hand of Russia speakers in Baltic states and they will use to start anti government protests in those region.
Well, Africa is far

I thought that putin must have learnt his lessons, but the clown is proving he's really a clown.

seunny4lif:
Russia already got size of UK.
If all Odessa is capture then Russia will link all Russia speakers together apart from those in Baltic states.

Some of those weapons EU, UK, USA and her allies sent to Ukraine, will end up in the hand of Russia speakers in Baltic states and they will use to start anti government protests in those region.
Well, Africa is far

you hate d west so much that u are supporting genocide

omis1:
you hate d west so much that u are supporting genocide

I don’t hate west but I hate double standard.

seunny4lif:

I don’t hate west but I hate double standard.

so cause d west invaded and kills at Iraq and co Ukrainians deserve to die
Russia has invaded Afghanistan in d past before btw and both invaded Syria

omis1:
so cause d west invaded and kills at Iraq and co Ukrainians deserve to die
Russia has invaded Afghanistan in d past before btw and both invaded Syria

You think I wouldn’t support Odua republic, if that will protect my own people.
But Ukraine have been killing Russia speakers in East Ukraine since 2014.
Russia never invade Syria
Syria government invited Russia after USA and her Arabs allies supported and funded so called freedom fighters aka Terrorists.

Elvictor:

Can u show us map of Russia in 1650, 1760, and 1870.?
Russians like fulanis they are historically land grabbers. Siberia, Dagestan, Chenchya, Crimea, Donbas etc do not belong to Russia.
You can check out how Russia territories change over centuries. They invaded weaker cities, grabbed their lands and Russified the natives. In crimea, local tribe of tatars were forcefully expelled to Asia and asked Russians to settle in the region. That was the style. Expelled or Russified local land owners and repopulated conquered territories with native Russians. In Crimea and Donbas region, you would hear of native Russians and Russian speakers. Russian speakers are not native Russians.

joyandfaith:


Can u show us map of Russia in 1650, 1760, and 1870.?
Russians like fulanis they are historically land grabbers. Siberia, Dagestan, Chenchya, Crimea, Donbas etc do not belong to Russia.
You can check out how Russia territories change over centuries. They invaded weaker cities, grabbed their lands and Russified the natives. In crimea, local tribe of tatars were forcefully expelled to Asia and asked Russians to settle in the region. That was the style. Expelled or Russified local land owners and repopulated conquered territories with native Russians. In Crimea and Donbas region, you would hear of native Russians and Russian speakers. Russian speakers are not native Russians.

Did USA expand their territory yes or no?
No story

Obafavour:

Did USA expand their territory yes or no?
No story

If mr A is a killer. Mr B should also be a killer based on your logic.
I am not aware of any territorial expansion by USA in 20th century. USA got independence from British empire in 18th century. America civil war was in 19th century.

Ukraine about to become land locked. Once that happens that's the end of Ukraine

joyandfaith:

If mr A is a killer. Mr B should also be a killer based on your logic.
I am not aware of any territorial expansion by USA in 20th century. USA got independence from British empire in 18th century. America civil war was in 19th century.

You and double standard be like bread and beans.
It's OK and democratic if it's done by US and it's cronies but very bad and undemocratic.

Uselessness dey flow all over your head

joyandfaith:

If mr A is a killer. Mr B should also be a killer based on your logic.
I am not aware of any territorial expansion by USA in 20th century. USA got independence from British empire in 18th century. America civil war was in 19th century.

My question was "yes or no answer" you've nt even answered my question.
Well answered or nt answered expansion na expasion maybe 11th century or 21st century as long as they occupy a land that doesn't belong to them it's called annexation either by purchase or by war.
Texas (annexed 1845)
Johnston atoll (1858)
Hawaiia islands (1898)
Puerto rico (1898)
And so on that i can't mention here was occupied through victory in war, just go and find out.

Obafavour:

My question was "yes or no answer" you've nt even answered my question.
Well answered or nt answered expansion na expasion maybe 11th century or 21st century as long as they occupy a land that doesn't belong to them it's called annexation either by purchase or by war.
Texas (annexed 1845)
Johnston atoll (1858)
Hawaiia islands (1898)
Puerto rico (1898)
And so on that i can't mention here was occupied through victory in war, just go and find out.

You just buttressed my point. USA did not annex any territories in 20th century. Russia is still living in the past. Even Oyo empire covered present part of Benin republic but nothing like oyo empire now. You don't bring past to destroy the future. That is what Putin is doing in Eastern Europe.

joyandfaith:


You just buttressed my point. USA did not annex any territories in 20th century. Russia is still living in the past. Even Oyo empire covered present part of Benin republic but nothing like oyo empire now. You don't bring past to destroy the future. That is what Putin is doing in Eastern Europe.

US still occupy five different states in the 20th century, hawaiia and alaska was the last states to join the union in 1959, or you will say 1959 is nt in 20th century.

Obafavour:

US still occupy five different states in the 20th century, hawaiia and alaska was the last states to join the union in 1959, or you will say 1959 is nt in 20th century.

land grabbing is different from joining a union

Alaska was bought and paid for

USA didnt just invade anyone and took their land

Obafavour:

US still occupy five different states in the 20th century, hawaiia and alaska was the last states to join the union in 1959, or you will say 1959 is nt in 20th century.

Hawaii invasion by usa was in 19th century not in 20th century and it became 50th state of usa not by military invasion but through diplomacy in 1959. Hawaii had 2 options to become an independent country or state in usa.
USA purchased Alaska from Russia empire.
Ukraine is sovereign nation, a member of UN body.

joyandfaith:


Hawaii invasion by usa was in 19th century not in 20th century and it became 50th state of usa not by military invasion but through diplomacy in 1959. Hawaii had 2 options to become an independent country or state in usa.
USA purchased Alaska from Russia empire.
Ukraine is sovereign nation, a member of UN body.

Good of you, it's shows you can die for the US.
But indian territory that was annexed in 1907, or it was also purchased or it's nt 20th century?
Or kingman reef in 1922?

sapientia:


land grabbing is different from joining a union

Alaska was bought and paid for

USA didnt just invade anyone and took their land

You reply without going deep into what you want to prove.
Go and re-check what i quoted joyandfaith.
No time to re-write.

Obafavour:

You reply without going deep into what you want to prove.
Go and re-check what i quoted joyandfaith.
No time to re-write.

You like beating about the bush

The argument is about 20th Century

As of the last 50 years at least, only Russia have invaded a complete country to steal their lands

sapientia:


You like beating about the bush

The argument is about 20th Century

As of the last 50 years at least, only Russia have invaded a complete country to steal their lands

That's of no point.
Russia invaded ukraine the same reason US invaded afghanistan, lybia, iraq, iran and so on.
Another objective is to make ukraine stay in a neutral status.
Crimea belong to russia until it was transfered to ukraine in april 26 1954 to settle dispute.
You can prove that wrong.

Obafavour:

That's of no point.
Russia invaded ukraine the same reason US invaded afghanistan, lybia, iraq, iran and so on.
Another objective is to make ukraine stay in a neutral status.
Crimea belong to russia until it was transfered to ukraine in april 26 1954 to settle dispute.
You can prove that wrong.

Afgan Talibans trained sept 11 terrorists and have alliance to Osama Bin laden

Gulf War - Iraq invaded Kuwait

Desert storm - Terrorism and possession of WMD. What was Sadam thinking when he chased UN observation crew out of Iraq. For someone that have proven that he cant be trusted with power

Libya - AU, OIC and UN pleaded with NATO to enforce a no fly Zone

USA didnt Invade Iran.

Iran was invaded by Iraq

So tell me now, what did Ukraine do?

sapientia:


Afgan Talibans trained sept 11 terrorists and have alliance to Osama Bin laden

Gulf War - Iraq invaded Kuwait

Desert storm - Terrorism and possession of WMD. What was Sadam think when he chased UN observation crew out of Iraq. For some that have proven that he cant be trusted with power

Libya - AU, OIC and UN pleaded with NATO to enforce a no fly Zone

USA didnt Invade Iran.

Iran was invaded by Iraq

So tell me now, what did Ukraine do?

It all started from NATO, their aim is to split russia society and ultimately destroy it when US and russia both annexed, funny.
Russia invaded ukraine because of the desire to join NATO and NATO is unfriendly to russia, russia knw what they're capable of doing, she took quick step like US did to iraq becos of WMD.
Another objectives is to protect his people subjected to the eight years of bullying and genocide of ukraine government and which they can't deny.

Obafavour:

It all started from NATO, their aim is to split russia society and ultimately destroy it when US and russia both annexed, funny.
Russia invaded ukraine because of the desire to join NATO and NATO is unfriendly to russia, russia knw what they're capable of doing, she took quick step like US did to iraq becos of WMD.
Another objectives is to protect his people subjected to the eight years of bullying and genocide of ukraine government and which they can't deny.

Imagine the assumptions you just dropped

Just conspiracy

So invading to steal land will reduce it abi?

Is it the NATO that denied Ukraine entrance or their President have even said they won’t join again?

Cook up another propaganda please

At least USA do not lie to anyone when they want to join a conflict

Unlike Russia that lies and denies the obvious always

Obafavour:

Good of you, it's shows you can die for the US.
But indian territory that was annexed in 1907, or it was also purchased or it's nt 20th century?
Or kingman reef in 1922?

https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_territorial_acquisitions

US did not invade any sovereign nation in 20th century. Even in 19th century USA did not fight to grab lands from any sovereign nation.
USA as a country was founded on business model. You can check the link.

sapientia:

Imagine the assumptions you just dropped
Just conspiracy
So invading to steal land will reduce it abi?
Is it the NATO that denied Ukraine entrance or their President have even said they won’t join again?
Cook up another propaganda please
At least USA do not lie to anyone when they want to join a conflict
Unlike Russia that lies and denies the obvious always

If it were US citizens that were rubbished in crimea years back they would have done worst than moscow.
But u dat got ur head locked up with west lies you're naive of what happened from scratch.
If u understand what it means by threatening russia indirectly by telling ukraine to join NATO, you won't type this trash, he won't join NATO, were they nt d ones he called 4 help?
He accused'em of dis nd couldn't deny cos all was true.
And u think putin is a slowpoke dat will see his territory in danger and still keep quiet?

joyandfaith:


https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_territorial_acquisitions

US did not invade any sovereign nation in 20th century. Even in 19th century USA did not fight to grab lands from any sovereign nation.
USA as a country was founded on business model. You can check the link.

Ukraine was the only sovereign state russia annexed and For everything there is a reason.
Do you knw what happened to russians in crimea 8,9.... years back?

Obafavour:

If it were US citizens that were rubbished in crimea years back they would have done worst than moscow.
But u dat got ur head locked up with west lies you're naive of what happened from scratch.
If u understand what it means by threatening russia indirectly by telling ukraine to join NATO, you won't type this trash, he won't join NATO, were they nt d ones he called 4 help?
He accused'em of dis nd couldn't deny cos all was true.
And u think putin is a slowpoke dat will see his territory in danger and still keep quiet?

I stopped reading when i saw Crimea

You mean Crimea that is already under Russian control is why Putin invaded Ukraine to steal lands?

You are still ranting about NATO that was a done deal within days of teh fight

NATO refused to accept Ukraine, They have accepted they wont join NATO

So, on what premise is Russia still bombarding the whole country?

sapientia:


I stopped reading when i saw Crimea

You mean Crimea that is already under Russian control is why Putin invaded Ukraine to steal lands?

You are still ranting about NATO that was a done deal within days of teh fight

NATO refused to accept Ukraine, They have accepted they wont join NATO

So, on what premise is Russia still bombarding the whole country?

Why did ukraine call on NATO for help?

Noticing this only NATO members are sending in weapon.
Or is there any non-NATO member sending weapon to ukraine?

Obafavour:

Ukraine was the only sovereign state russia annexed and For everything there is a reason.
Do you knw what happened to russians in crimea 8,9.... years back?

What about Georgia?,what about Moldova? What was ussr was all about? Political problem in 2014 was Ukraine problem. It was wrong for Russia to intefere and annexe crimea.