Russia moves to categorize Facebook's parent company Meta as an 'extremist organization'



Russian authorities have called for Facebook's parent company Meta to be categorized as an "extremist organization," according to an Interfax report.

Earlier this month, Russia reportedly banned access to Facebook. Now, Russia's prosecutor general's office is attempting to label Facebook's parent company as an "extremist organization."

Last week, Facebook temporarily allowed users to post threats to Vladimir Putin and the Russian military forces involved in the invasion of Ukraine.

Now, Russia has declared the parent company of Facebook to be an "extremist organization," while also restricting access to the Instagram application.

Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor claimed, "Messages shared on Instagram encourage and provoke violent actions toward Russians."

On Monday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri responded to the social media block: "This decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world as ~80% of people in Russia follow an Instagram account outside their country. This is wrong."

Meanwhile, Facebook has enabled users to temporarily express violent posts calling for the death of Vladimir Putin and Russian military forces.

Meta President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg said, "Our policies are focused on protecting people's rights to speech as an expression of self-defense in reaction to a military invasion of their country. The fact is, if we applied our standard content policies without any adjustments we would now be removing content from ordinary Ukrainians expressing their resistance and fury at the invading military forces, which would rightly be viewed as unacceptable."

"We have no quarrel with the Russian people a d will not tolerate Russophobia or any kind of discrimination, harassment or violence towards Russians on our platform," Clegg added.

Meanwhile, Russia has made a crackdown on anti-war demonstrations and reportedly arrested nearly 800 people in 37 Russian cities.

The unleaded truth about who’s to blame for skyrocketing gas prices



The U.S. just announced a Russian oil ban. As gas prices skyrocket, Crowder explains how it's Joe Biden's fault. Former UFC champion Cain Velasquez shot at a pedo in the pro-pedo state of California. We have the latest. And because we owe it to the people, we get into the Kanye vs. Pete Davidson beef.



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WAR FOR OIL?! Thanks, Joe! | Louder with Crowder

WAR FOR OIL?! Thanks, Joe! | Louder with Crowder

Video: CBS reporter and crew dive for cover during live report as humongous explosion rattles Kyiv



Several huge explosions rocked Kyiv during the dark early hours Thursday morning, and the moments were captured on a live CBS News broadcast.

What are the details?

CBS international correspondent Charlie D’Agata was finishing his live report from Kyiv when the sky behind him lit up a bright orange, illuminating the buildings and skyline.

"What the hell was that?" he asked in shock as a second flash quickly drove him and the rest of the crew backward and out of the frame. "It was almost like lightning, there was this big flash."

A thunderous explosion could be heard shortly after, apparently stunning D'Agata and the rest of the CBS crew into silence.

"That was close," a D'Agata remarked after several moments of quiet. "Close enough to see the flash."

CBS News tweeted video of the explosions, captioning it, "Just as CBS News' Charlie D'Agata was coming off the air tonight in #Kyiv Ukraine, the sky lit up behind him 'almost like lightning' and booming explosions shook the city."

Just as CBS News' Charlie D'Agata was coming off the air tonight in #Kyiv Ukraine, the sky lit up behind him "almost like lightning" and booming explosions shook the citypic.twitter.com/8WbLkxhjUE
— CBS News (@CBS News) 1646277913

What else?

The Washington Post reported Thursday that an area west of Kyiv was rocked by a massive explosion, but it remains unknown at the time of this reporting whether the blast was the same caught on CBS' video report.

The report noted that the blast, captured by video cameras in the city's southeastern neighborhoods, "took place in a region to the west of Kyiv and appeared to have struck an area far from the city center."

"Between late Wednesday night and Thursday morning, air raid sirens have sounded at least six times, urging residents to take shelter, according to messages in the official municipal government Telegram channel," the outlet added. "Russian forces remain stalled on the outskirts of the capital. Unable to substantially push through Kyiv’s defense in the north, they have moved westward to further encircle the city. But a senior U.S. defense official warned that these troops also have accelerated the pace of missile and artillery attacks targeting the capital."

Following the explosions, D'Agata took to Twitter to describe what he had seen and heard during the stunning moments.

He wrote, "Two of the largest explosions I’ve ever experienced just went off in #kyiv."

Two of the largest explosions I\u2019ve ever experienced just went off in #kyiv.
— Charlie D'Agata (@Charlie D'Agata) 1646265134

Ukrainian brewery joins war effort, switches to manufacturing Molotov cocktails: 'Putin is a d**khead'



A Ukrainian brewery has joined the war effort and has replaced the act of brewing its craft beer with manufacturing Molotov cocktails in an effort to stem the tide of Russian forces.

What are the details?

Pravda brewery in Lviv has begun manufacturing the makeshift bombs in anticipation of the possibility that Russian tanks will begin to roll into the city, according to reports.

Pravda brewery owner Yuriy Zastavny said that he would fight tooth and nail to ensure Ukraine's victory over Russian invaders.

"We do this because someone has to," he reasoned. "We have the skills, we went through a street revolution in 2014. We had to make and use Molotov cocktails then."

Zastavny vowed that he would do everything possible to help win the war.

"I have absolutely no doubt that we'll win," he told Fox News on Monday. "We are already winning because we already disrupt[ed] the plans of the crazy dictator. And we will continue to do it, because they are not facing only the Ukrainian Army, but they are facing the army of 40 million people prepared to fight every step."

He added that his employees gave him the idea to switch over to the manufacturing of firebombs.

"Once we understand what can come through beer -- because it’s no time for beer, we need to get other things sorted out – we decided to make Molotov cocktails because we can use bottles, we can use the people, and it was a grassroots idea."

What else?

One employee described the perfect way to craft the cocktail, telling Agence France-Presse that in order to build a successful homemade firebomb, "you have to wait for the cloth to be well soaked."

"When it is, that means the Molotov cocktail is ready," the employee told the news agency as he stuffed a rag into the beer bottle, which was filled with oil and gasoline.

AFP reported that one of the brewery's favorite beers is called "Putin khuylo" — reportedly translated to "Putin is a dickhead."

According to reports, military instructors have also been teaching local civilians how to launch the bombs against Russian troops.

Defiant Ukrainian soldiers who told Russia, 'Go f*** yourself,' and refused to surrender may still be alive



The brave Ukrainian soldiers who told invading Russian forces to "go f*** yourself" may still be alive, according to a report from the Jerusalem Post.

The group of 13 soldiers made headlines last week after refusing to surrender to a Russian warship as it stormed 42-acre Snake Island.

What are the details?

Ukraine's navy on Monday announced that the soldiers on Snake Island — who were initially believed to have died during the violent Russian incursion — may well be alive and in Russian custody.

Initial reports of the incident indicated that the band of soldiers sacrificed themselves after keeping at bay two Russian warships for a period of several hours.

The report from the Jerusalem Post noted, however, that the navy announced the soldiers may not have been killed during the attack.

“We [have a] strong belief that all Ukrainian defenders of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island may be alive,” the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine said in Saturday statement. “Preliminary information that border guards may be dead came before the defenders lost contact.”

The New York Post added that Russian media reported that the soldiers "had been captured after they laid down their arms and were transported to Sevastopol on the Russian-controlled Crimea Peninsula."

The State Border Guard Service added that the information had not been confirmed.

A roughly translated Facebook post from the Naval Forces Commandments Armed Forces of Ukraine also said:

Regarding the actions of the Russian Federation near the island of Zmí їnij February 26th, receiving the information that on the o [sic]. A snake among our defenders may be killed and wounded, a Sapphire civilian ship was sent to the island to carry out a humanitarian mission to help the victims. Together with the crew agreed to leave father Vasily Virozub, Alexander Chokov and their assistants. But they were illegally captured by the Russians. Illegal capture of a civilian ship - a non-combatant without performing any military mission, is a violation of the rules and customs of war, international humanitarian law.

We demand from Russia the immediate release of illegally occupied citizens of Ukraine. We address the world community, to the believers of all churches requesting to take all possible measures to influence the Russian Federation for the return of our citizens. Regarding the Marines and border guards, who were taken captive by Russian occupiers on the island of Snake.

We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well with them! But Russian propaganda tries to twist the "news" about the fact that the Ukrainian authorities "forgotten", "buried" their fellows.

At the same time, the sailors bravely rebuked twice the attacks of the Russian invaders. Because of BC's marriage, they could not continue the protection of the island. In turn, the invaders "forgot" to report that they had completely destroyed the island's infrastructure: lighthouse, carnations, antennas, etc. Accordingly, the connection with the snake was interrupted. Repeated attempts to contact the personal team and learn about its fate were futile. And the permanent shelling on the side of warships and aviation of the Russian Federation did not allow to help the Marines.

In summary, we want to add, the enemy once demonstrated his essence. He proved again that there is no faith and truth in his actions and words.
And we are looking forward to our brothers and with all our soul.

What else?

Previous reporting stated that the soldiers' message went viral — and audio footage captured the moment Ukrainian soldiers told the Russian warship where to go.

"This is a Russian military ship," a portion of the communication said. "I suggest you lay down your weapons and surrender to avoid bloodshed and unnecessary victims. Otherwise we will open fire on you."

One of the soldiers took to the radio and responded, "Russian warship, go f*** yourself!"

Russian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the time said that all 13 soldiers died as a result of the incursion, "but did not surrender."

"All of them will be named Heroes of Ukraine," he said. "May the memory of those who gave their lives for Ukraine live forever," said Zelenskyy.

Video: Hero Ukrainian soldier sacrifices himself to blow up bridge and stop advancing Russian troops



A Ukrainian service member reportedly sacrificed his life to detonate explosives on a bridge before Russian forces could cross it into Ukraine.

What are the details?

According to reports, Vitaly Skakun Volodymyrovych blew up the bridge — sacrificing himself — to prevent Russian tanks from advancing over a bridge from Russian-occupied Crimea into mainland Ukraine.

Volodymyrovych was said to have mined the bridge with explosives before making the decision to detonate it.

In a Facebook post, the general staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that Volodymyrovych positioned himself at the bridge as Russian tanks began their advance. When he realized that he would not be able to get out in time, he detonated the bridge while still on it.

In video obtained from social media, a vehicle believe to be driven by Volodymyrovych can be seen entering the bridge. Just moments later, the screen is filled with blinding light from the huge explosion's fireball.

Ukraynal\u0131 denizci Vitaliy Skakun, Rus Birlikleri ge\u00e7mesin diye Henicesky K\u00f6pr\u00fcs\u00fc'n\u00fc bindi\u011fi ara\u00e7la patlatt\u0131.\n\n#notwar #D\u00fcnyaSeyrediyor, #UkraineRussiapic.twitter.com/gt4Zy38pMQ
— mete KALIN (@mete KALIN) 1645793670

The apparent aftermath of the blast can be seen in a second video, which shows the remainder of the structure rutted with deep cracks and covered with broken rocks and other debris.

Rus tanklar\u0131n\u0131n ilerleyi\u015fini durdurmak i\u00e7in Henichesk K\u00f6pr\u00fcs\u00fcn\u00fc havaya u\u00e7urma karar\u0131 al\u0131nd\u0131. M\u00fchendis Skakun Vitaliy bu g\u00f6rev i\u00e7in g\u00f6n\u00fcll\u00fc oldu. K\u00f6pr\u00fcye patlay\u0131c\u0131 yerle\u015ftirdi ama ayr\u0131lamad\u0131 ve kendisiyle birlikte havaya u\u00e7urdu #Breaking #Ukraine #StopPutinpic.twitter.com/zN3mMYcGBq
— \ud835\udd41\ud835\udd60\ud835\udd66\ud835\udd63\ud835\udd5f\ud835\udd52\ud835\udd5d\ud835\udd5a\ud835\udd64\ud835\udd65 (@\ud835\udd41\ud835\udd60\ud835\udd66\ud835\udd63\ud835\udd5f\ud835\udd52\ud835\udd5d\ud835\udd5a\ud835\udd64\ud835\udd65) 1645790536

What else is there to know about this?

In a lengthy statement on Volodymyrovych's bravery and sacrifice, Ukraine's general staff said, “The bridge was mined, but he didn’t manage to get away from there. According to his brothers in arms, Vitaly got in touch [with them] and said he was going to blow up the bridge. Immediately after an explosion rang out.”

A Friday report from the Sun noted that his comrades are now hailing him as a hero for "significantly slowing down the advancement of the enemy" — a move that also afforded the Ukrainian force time to "regroup and redeploy its defenses."

The statement added that the Marine Command plans to "apply to the High Command to award the state award to sailor Skakun Vitaliy Volodymyrovych.”

Russia vs Ukraine: What's REALLY Going On? | Guest: Jason Buttrill | Ep 571

Russia vs Ukraine: What's REALLY Going On? | Guest: Jason Buttrill | Ep 571

Video: Russia attacks airports, hospitals, apartment buildings in Ukraine, is reportedly 'making a move on Kyiv' to overthrow government



The Russian military has attacked airports and damaged hospitals and apartment buildings amid its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to videos shared online and reports from multiple outlets on Thursday.

What are the details?

Despite claiming that the Russian military would target only military installations in a so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine, it quickly became clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions in the neighboring country matched an all-out war, in which widespread civilian casualties are possible.

Footage obtained by the New York Times appeared to show a mass of airstrikes hitting an airport in Hostomel, just outside the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Subsequent reporting from CNN indicated that Russian forces had seized control of the facility, though Ukraine's military had apparently launched a counteroffensive.

More video of that attack was also posted online.

Confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. A large air assault operation with Mi-8 helicopters on Antonov International Airport in Hostomel. Interior Ministry says Russia has seized control. Very dangerous; it\u2019s just 15 minutes west of the capital ring road.pic.twitter.com/JhlyVktVRC
— Christopher Miller (@Christopher Miller) 1645702083

A hospital in southeastern Ukraine was also struck by ballistic missile fire Thursday in an apparently targeted attack. Amnesty International reportedly verified the attack and claimed it killed at least two civilians. The group noted that hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law.

Ballistic missile strike outside hospital in Vuhledar in #Ukraine killing at least two civilians is verified by Amnesty Evidence Lab. Hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, ballistic missiles should never be used in populated areas.https://twitter.com/harshhihu/status/1496767505318264833\u00a0\u2026
— Amnesty International (@Amnesty International) 1645717451

Ukraine's health minister, Viktor Lyashko, claimed that more hospitals are now being targeted by Russian forces.

Additionally, Russian rocket fire destroyed an apartment building near Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. The New York Times posted footage of firefighters and other first responders putting out flames and clearing debris from what remained of the building.

Chuhuyiv, in eastern Ukraine, was hit by bombs Thursday as Russian military forces attacked the country from several directions. Firefighters raced to extinguish a fire, first aid responders administered to the injured and residents mourned the dead. https://nyti.ms/3Hh1wX6\u00a0pic.twitter.com/TrnQY96sw6
— The New York Times (@The New York Times) 1645724107

Video uploaded by the Daily Wire appeared to show a missile striking a building directly adjacent to a home with a woman and her children inside.

BuzzFeed News documented the extent of the devastation by posting a series of pictures online.

What else?

In all, the Russian military claimed Thursday it has overtaken 74 military installations, including 11 airfields. Ukraine has reported that at least 40 soldiers and up to 10 civilians have been killed so far.

A senior U.S. defense official told reporters Thursday that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is focused on three main axes of assault: a south-to-north approach from Crimea to Kherson; a north-central to south approach from Belarus to Kyiv; and a northeast-to-south approach near Kharkiv, where the heaviest fighting is currently happening.

The defense official, offering the information as part of an operational update, said Russia clearly intends is to overtake key population centers and is "making a move on Kyiv," NBC News reported.

Russia has "every intention of basically decapitating the government and installing their own method of governance," the defense official said.

They added that Russia's maneuvering so far is not surprising and "is very much in line with what was expected." U.S. intelligence predicted days ago that a full-scale invasion was imminent.

The defense official noted that this onslaught is only the first phase of the invasion and that many more may soon follow.

CNN chief international correspondent stops during live shot, captures viral moment desperate Ukrainians kneel in prayer amid Russian invasion



Clarissa Ward, CNN's chief international correspondent, witnessed a moving demonstration of faith on live television Thursday morning as a group of Ukrainians kneeled on the ground in prayer as Russia continued its invasion into the war-torn country.

What are the details?

Talking with CNN anchor Don Lemon, Ward — who was on the ground in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday morning — witnessed the group of people praying on what appeared to be a public street amid the danger.

“I think this ... really speaks to the sort of desperation of this moment,” Ward said of the group's faithfulness. “We just see a small group of people ... have gathered in the main square, and they are kneeling and praying because right now there is clearly a sense of having no idea what is coming down the pipeline, what is in store.”

Video footage showed the group of people as Ward pointed out that the scene — though dire and desperate — was "very moving."

“It’s freezing cold here, so to see these people kneeling on the cold stone in prayer is honestly very moving,” she continued. “And I think it speaks to the state of ordinary Ukrainians here who have done absolutely nothing to deserve this.”

Ward added that Ukrainians have every reason to fall to their knees as Russia continued its deadly advance into the country, ushering in violence and uncertainty in the hours and days ahead.

“I think that’s why you’re seeing those people ... getting to their knees and praying,” she said.

CNN reporter Natasha Bertrand shared the segment on social media, tweeting, "What a moment captured by @clarissaward and her team in Kharkiv. 'A small group of people have gathered in the main square and they are kneeling and praying,' Clarissa says. 'Because right now there is truly a sense of having no idea what is coming down the pipeline.'"

At the time of this reporting the clip below has been viewed more than 812,000 times.

What a moment captured by @clarissaward and her team in Kharkiv. \n"A small group of people have gathered in the main square and they are kneeling and praying," Clarissa says. "Because right now there is truly a sense of having no idea what is coming down the pipeline."pic.twitter.com/cAoLi8Euaq
— Natasha Bertrand (@Natasha Bertrand) 1645679791

(H/T: Faithwire)