larry johnson brings us news that presages russia taking off the gloves, or saying they are at the least; 

 

Today’s Lavrov-Rubio call was a highly significant and alarming diplomatic communication, covering three major topics. The call took place at Lavrov’s request, with Rubio currently on a four-day trip to India attending the QUAD meeting in New Delhi. State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the Minister’s request. The parties exchanged views on the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral relations, and the situation in Iran.” Here is a full account:

Message 1: Imminent Systematic Strikes on Kyiv — By Direct Order of Putin

The most alarming element of the call was its primary purpose. By direct order of President Vladimir Putin, Lavrov informed Rubio that Russian armed forces are launching systematic strikes on facilities in Kyiv used for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The strikes are described by Moscow as a response to the Kiev regime’s continued attacks against civilian population and infrastructure in Russia — specifically citing a recent deadly attack on a college dormitory in the Russian town of Starobelsk which killed at least 21 people, mainly teenage girls, which Moscow described as “the last straw.”

Russian troops subsequently launched a massive strike on Kyiv using Iskanders, Zircons, X-101 cruise missiles, and Oreshnik hypersonic missiles — approximately 50 missiles and 700 drones.

Message 2: Evacuate US Diplomats from Kyiv...........more...........