






In Brussels and the European Parliament… there is voices of reason as the European Union is releasing the 5th Package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. As the Russian-Belorussia invasion is on the 41st Day in Ukraine. The brutality and the acts of war is vile from the Russian forces within Ukraine. There is no mercy and Kyiv is burning. The Ukrainian state is bleeding… and European Union should sanction thereafter.
What the Member of European Parliament Guy Vefhofstadt is saying is so needed. The way and manner of which his reacting is resounding. Hopefully most of Europe listens to this, as the EU is putting forward their meagre 5th Package of Sanctions against the Russian Federation. That it’s implication is close to zero and is a lot of hot air. That is clear by the reasoning of the MEP.
Here is what he said earlier today!
“You know why strategy doesn’t work? Because progressive packages of sanctions, with an autocrat, doesn’t work. That works with an democracy, with democrats who have a public opinion, a real public opinion. In Russia there is no longer a real public opinion. The reality is that it doesn’t work, because the fifth package is, what, coal. It’s ridiculous, it’s only three percent of imports from Russia. Swift, the ban, ridiculous. More than 50 percent of the financial institutions are still outside the ban. And oligarchs… The oligarchs, yes, we extend a little bit the oligarchs. The oligarchs will escape finally the sanctions, or lose a little bit of their money. You need to tackle the 6000 people around Putin, the real people working with Putin. And we have the list, Alexei Navalny, foundation of Navalny has made the list of 6000 people. These people you need to tackle. And so I have a request to you. I’m sorry that I’m telling it to you because I think that 90 percent of you agree with me. I’m pretty sure about that. So I wanted to say it to Michel and to Von der Leyen. In the name of 212: it’s time to change your strategy. It’s time to have an extra European Council as fast as possible, and to go for the full package of sanctions immediately, so that you can really make a difference. All the rest will not work. All the rest will prolong the war. All the rest will mean more killings on Ukrainian side. And finally, a little advice to my friends in Germany. I think after the horrors of the Second World War there has emerged – I’m finishing – a strong and democratic Germany, a very strong and democratic Germany. But from such a Germany I expect leadership. Leading by example and not dragging their feet, as we see it today” – Guy Verhofstadt, MEP (06.04.2022).
The former Belgian Prime Minister and MEP speaks his heart out. He is surely tired of the bickering and the lacking results of the previous 4 packages from the EU. As an MEP and a former head of state. He wants to see results and actually help Ukraine. Not only doing lip-service and signs of solidarity.
Alas, the MEP wants to do things that really hurt Kremlin and the people around Putin. Not just damage certain industries or have some smaller collateral damage, which doesn’t even implicate the ones in power in Moscow. That’s why the European Council should reconsider their strategy, because Putin and Kremlin isn’t afraid. They are not really touched by this…
It is time to do it… the vile and war-crimes of Russia inside Ukraine should get a proper retaliation from the EU. If they are concerned about the lives of Ukraine. That is if they want Russian Federation to be really touched and not only lose minor percentages. Which is what the EU is doing now and for the fifth time. This is why the Russians aren’t stopping or losing steam. No, they are just brushing it off.
Since, Europe is still buying gas and funding the war-chest. While giving away small tokens and help to Ukraine. They are helping both parties to prolong the war, but not helping the one with what it needs in the middle of war. Instead, they are prolonging the agony… and people are dying endlessly.
The EU could do what the MEP says, but I wouldn’t count on it. If it didn’t cost the EU and the implications of it… the EU would have sanctioned this yesterday. That’s why EU will do it as a last resort, but not expect them to do it. That’s why Putin has the upper-hand and his gamble has paid off. Europeans will not risk losing the energy dependency and stop buying Russian gas. Therefore, the Russian Federation will not default and they will get funding to continue the war. Peace.

“The point is not that we put on a sweater, turn up the heating a little, as some in the West think, or pay a few forints more for gas and at gas stations. But the point is that if energy does not come from Russia, then energy in Hungary no… This is a question of the functioning or non-functioning of the economy” (…) “It doesn’t suit us that there is cheap Russian energy, gas, we turn it off, and instead it will be expensive American. This is a great idea in itself, but I don’t know how it can reach Hungary, this liquefied natural gas, which transported by sea on ships, I think this is absurd” – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (01.04.2022, RIA Novosti)
This has been reported statements made by Viktor Orbán live on the Hungarian radio Kossuth. The Hungarian Prime Minister is crystal clear and there is no doubt anymore. Orbán’s decision of being “neutral” in the war in Ukraine is only beneficial for Moscow and Kremlin. His party Fidesz and other associates have also sown distrust to Kyiv. So, the party lines and loyalty is in the manner of Kremlin.
We know Orbán and Fidesz is in election mode right now. The Foreign Minister of Hungary has claimed the Ukrainian have interfered in the election. However, it is the Fidesz and leadership itself that shows what stances it takes. Then the commentary comes as a result of that.
The PM and his party by their forged “neutrality” in the war has only shown loyalty to Putin. It is only increasing the value of that relations and the diplomatic choices Budapest has made. Hungary and it’s leadership has chosen this path.
That the election and campaigns are happening in the midst of war isn’t Ukraine’s fault. They are the victim of the invasion of Russia. The token ally of Orbán. Budapest seems to rather fuel and finance the war-machine. Than actually help Ukraine in their battle for independence and sovereignty. That is a legitimate cause and a justified one.
However, Hungary and Orbán will not participate or be involved in any direct support Ukraine. Nevertheless, they will still co-operate and be an ally of Moscow. That just shows what sort of side it has taken. Not only buying gas and energy from Russia. We are seeing how it had decided and where their heart is laying.
They can deny that, but their in-action and their continues support says otherwise. The Fidesz government are tied to Kremlin and distancing itself from Kyiv. That is what this war has proven. Instead of being parts of the joint efforts of Europe. The leaders of Budapest is instead standing by Putin. That is the message it is sending and the PM is just furthering it today. Peace.

“The Kremlin said the reported Ukrainian airstrike will hinder future peace talks. “Of course, this is not something that can be perceived as creating comfortable conditions for the continuation of negotiations,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters” (The Moscow Times – ‘Ukrainian Helicopters Strike at Russian Oil Depot, Local Official Claims’ 01.04.2022).
If you ever though there was cowards in the world… the Kremlin and the Moscow elite is clearly there these days. The ones who ordered a total and annihilation war on Ukraine is sour and bitter after a fuel depot has been bombed within Russian territory. While the the Russian Forces has daily air-strikes since late February. It has been over a month of war and destruction within Ukraine. Therefore, the recent retaliation is small pickle in concern to the looting, destruction and deaths that Russian forces has done to Ukraine.
If only one fuel depot is enough of a breach to stop the talks. It shows how the Russians cannot see that they waged a war against Ukraine. The Russian Army and their allies has invaded, targeted and occupied territory within Ukraine. The Russian forces has bombed buildings, factories and military installations across the Republic. The Russians has bombed public buildings, schools and made areas into total war-zones and destroyed infrastructure for decades to come. Therefore, the bitterness of bombing on fuel depot is crying a river over nothing in the grand scale of things.
The Russians are lucky there was no casualties and fatalities in connection to the bombing of the fuel depot within the Belgorod. I have little to no sympathy here… as we have seen how damaging the war has been in Ukraine. With the million of refugees and internally displaced people, because of the conflict.
Kremlin cannot be serious here. They have damaged landmarks, bombed kindergartens, schools and everything else in their way. Their artillery and missiles haven’t only gone after military equipment or bases. No, they have gone after civilian targets and even bombed at planned humanitarian convoys within Ukraine.
That is why the Kremlin, President Putin and all his fellow cronies can grow a pair of balls. They are lucky the Ukrainian haven’t targeted more or even done anything similar in the border regions to Ukraine. If the Ukraine had acted like Russian forces and conscripts. The Russian people and such would flee further into the Federation. It would rain bombs in urban areas and cities would be targeted on the daily. In such a manner, that the people had to live for days underground and shelter.
Therefore, Kremlin is insincere and bitching here… it is like they are not thinking the Ukrainian would ever be able to retaliate and direct their war home. Because, the Ukrainian army was supposed to give up within days and now it’s been over a month of war. Kremlin need to see that the war can enter home and the missiles can go against targets within Russia.
This is the war that Russia wanted and suddenly it can come home. As long as the Russians are waging war. The warfare can be returned. It is not a one-sided affair… even if Vlad thinks so or his other close associates lives in that belief. Peace.

The warfare in Ukraine isn’t stopping and somehow Budapest elites thinks the ones dealing with war has the time or ability to interfere with the elections in Hungary. Surely, the Ukrainian government has more than enough problems on their hands and crisis to solve. Than caring about who get votes in Győr or in Budapest.
The election in Hungary is mirrored by the conflict, because of the false neutrality of Fidesz. The President and his government is very close to Kremlin. That’s why the Ukrainian government has asked for more support and help. However, the Hungarian rather do nothing and not stop trading with Russia. As it is more important to be loyal to President Vladimir Putin. Than worrying about another Republic and it’s integrity getting attacked by Russian troops. Nevertheless, it is more important to scapegoat Ukrainian government in the days ahead of the polls.
Just read the translation of what the Hungarian Foreign Minister said and what the Ukrainian Foreign Minister retorted with. It is really telling and we all know where the loyalty lays in Budapest. The current government in Hungary is Moscow-bound and is embedded with them. They are afraid of offending or ceasing it’s relations.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said these words in a Facebook Video today:
“We have decided not to supply arms to Ukraine and not to vote on sanctions that threaten the security of our energy supply” (…) “stay out of this war” (…) “provoked, dragged into, involved in this war in any way” (…) “As long as we govern, these decisions will, of course, remain valid” (…) “the negotiations between the Hungarian left and the Ukrainians are ongoing” (…) “and if the Hungarian left were to rule, they would immediately start arms transfers and vote on sanctions for the transport of oil and natural gas. But “as long as we rule, Hungary will be left out of this war” (…)”On April 3, the Hungarian people can decide on peace and security or drift into war” (Szijjártó, 30.03.2022 – ‘Péter Szijjártó: the Hungarian left has fallen ugly’ TENYEK).
Ukrainian Foreign Minister retort back:
“In his comment to “Evropeiska Pravda”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine replied to his Hungarian counterpart: “Unlike Hungary’s conduct in Ukraine, we have never interfered in Hungary’s internal affairs, particularly on the eve of the election. It is unfortunate to see Minister Szijjártó ready to invent nonsense and ruin our long-standing relationships with him for the sake of short-term pre-election gain. If the medal from Lavrov is more important to him than the relationship with me, it is worth saying so directly,” said the Ukrainian Foreign Minister” (Dmytro Kuleba, 30.03.2022 – ‘The Hungarian Foreign Minister accused Ukraine of interfering in the parliamentary elections. Minister Kuleba denies this’ Babel.ua/Anna Kholodnova).
We are just seeing that the Hungarian politicians who are running for elections. Are running on a nationalistic agenda and trying to vilify Ukraine. That is really a foolish move and shows how they are puppeteers of Kremlin. The Foreign Minister of Hungary has already gotten a friendship medal from Lavrov in the past. It seems like Fidesz, the President and FM all are allies of Russia. That’s why they are using their platform to show loyalty that way.
This is why they speak like this and speaks of being provoked into war. Acting like they are “neutral” but it’s only showing who their ally really is. If they thought this was a wise move. It is not, because it only proving what Europe already knew. Putin has friends in Budapest and they are close to him. Peace.

Just as the tensions are running high in Juba. There Declassified Report from the South Sudan Intelligence is leaked online. What it is stating is significant and speaks volume of how things are working.
Not that the report from the South Sudan was shocking. Neither was the timelines and what was in the leaked report. It was more dropping some more insights and such. That’s why I am only dropping parts of the Conclusions. As the reports itself is digestible and it’s not a hard read.
It is interesting timing of the leak and when it went online. Just as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – (In Opposition) (SPLM/A-IO) have ceased participation with the NTC and R-JMEC. So, the President and SPLM-IG has addressed it too. Therefore, it has to be some underlying reasons for the leak and revealing this report.
That’s why I am handling the report with caution. Since, the tensions between Kiir and Machar is escalating and they need to sit-down. There is a need to talk and settle the scores. Instead of creating space to compete on the battlefield. These two has fought in a civil war before… and we don’t need to see them order and decree a new war.
However… here is the vital parts of the conclusions of the report.
Conclusion Coup Number 1 – 2013:
“In contrast, the opposition made no attempt to return the goodwill or to progress efforts to stabilise South Sudan. At each stage of the peace negotiations, the primary goal of the opposition led by Riek Machar was to undermine the government and to overthrow President Kiir. These efforts were concretely put in motion with military assistance from foreign entities and continuous attempts to delay, stall and compromise peace efforts. Ultimately, Riek Machar’s signature of ARCSS in August 2015 was triggered only by internal factions within SPLM/A-IO and not by a genuine attempt to power share as evidenced by his own words a month before on 8 July 2015 when he declared that should President Kiir not resign then the “citizens have every right to rise up and overthrow his regime”. This imbalance of efforts was overlooked by the international community and the opposition gained significant traction as Riek Machar was provided with extensive powers as First Vice-President in 2016. Yet even then, Riek Machar was still plotting to overthrow President Kiir in furtherance of his own grand ambitions to be President of the Republic of South Sudan. This culminated in the attempted coup on 8 July 2016” (South Sudan Intelligence Report, 2022).
Conclusion Coup Number 2 – 2016:
“Following his return to Juba in April 2016, Riek Machar purported to promote peace, unity and solidarity with the government. On 8 May 2016, he called for “forgiveness and reconciliation in South Sudan”.291 On 22 May 2016, Riek Machar attended prayers at a predominantly ethnic Dinka church on Sunday, telling the congregation “that peace and reconciliation will enable national healing and ensure stability.”292 He even took on more responsibility in his role as First Vice-President and on 5 June 2016, he took charge of the file for the implementation of the September 2012 cooperation agreements between South Sudan and Sudan, with consensus from President Kiir. However, the evidence from telephone intercepted communications from the same period reveal that Riek Machar as First Vice President of the Transitional Government of National Unity plotted a coup to seize power on 8 July 2016 to fulfil his ambition to become the President of South Sudan. Whilst he was presenting a unified front for the international community, in the background he was at the same time preparing forces in support of the SPLM/A-IO to carry out the coup and used support from a foreign government, the Republic of the Sudan, to provide his forces with the necessary arms and ammunition. As the coup failed at its first attempt during his meeting with President Salva Kiir and Second Vice President James Wanni Igga in the President’s office, Riek Machar never returned to resume the reconciliation talks that had been taking place between the leaders of the TGoNU. Instead, he continued the conflict that caused great loss of life including the deaths of civilians, knowing from his experience over many years of conflicts in South Sudan and Sudan that such killings were bound to take place” (South Sudan Intelligence Report, 2022).
With all of this in mind. We just have to follow Juba and what these two decides to do. It becomes like this… when the R-ARCSS is failing. The SPLM/A-IO or SPLM-IG has to figure out their way forward. Hopefully without ordering war and sending the youth to fight their battles.
President Kiir and First Vice President Machar needs to do the right thing. There is stipulations and protocols for them to follow. They need to find the mechanisms and the forums to find the way of solving this. Because, we can worry that this become to hot and fragile. We know these two can order and fix it.
Machar can be the fall guy for the past transgressions, but we don’t know who ordered the attacks on the bases in Upper Nile and Unity State. As well, as putting Machar under house arrest. While his been asking IGAD to intervene and help out with the lack of progress. The SPLM-IG and SPLM/A-IO needs to find ways to resolve this. I am not saying that is easy and the egos have to be humbled. They need to humiliate themselves and carry possible losses. That for the betterment of the Republic and not over pitiful appointments or transgressions of late. Yes, that is painful, but these are men who can usher in peace in South Sudan.
These two men can be the first to ensure peace and stability in Juba. They can be known for finding peace and creating institutions in the Republic. That’s what they can be known for… but decreeing guns and conflict will only cause more pain and suffering. Which these two should avoid like the plague. Peace.


“South Sudan’s government has deployed security forces around First Vice President Riek Machar’s house in Juba. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei says the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and national security forces are being deployed for Machar’s own safety. A signatory to the South Sudan 2018 peace agreement says the implementation of the deal has stalled. Rajab Mohandis says the main body monitoring the deal has done very little to report recent attacks by the South Sudan army on opposition bases across the country. And, some SPLM-IO officials and supporters are calling on the brokers of the revitalized peace deal to intervene immediately, arguing that the agreement is on the verge of collapse” (South Sudan In Focus, 28.03.2022).
Things are really hot in Juba, as both parties are addressing it. SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO have both addressed the movements of the weekend. This Monday isn’t getting better and the ramifications of it is dire. As the SPLM-IG is directing blame and SPLM-IO has asked the IGAD to help to mediate. Clearly, things are going sour, as SPLM-IO has reacted to the recent appointments and purge of opposition generals. Therefore, things are not getting better.
This in combination of the attacks on SPLM-IO bases in the Unity State and Upper Nile State. That is all causing alarm. As SPLM-IO renounced their participation in the R-JMEC and the Technical Committee for implementation of the R-ARCSS.
We are seeing movement that reminds us of 2013 and 2016. The same sorts of actions by both parties. They are skirmishes and movements of troops by the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) against the SPLM/A-IO bases. These are orders by the President… who is already acted with Presidential Decree of appointing people in government without consent or dialogue with fellow signatories.
Machar has been in house-arrest before and what is happening to him isn’t anything new. It is just a new direct assault on him and his party. Therefore, no one should be shocked by this. It is a clear violation and escalation of the state. As it is targeting him and his party, which he has purged generals from in recent time.
We have to see how this goes, but the signs are not any good. Last time in 2016 he fled Juba after 48 hours and got a base of his troops within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He was later for a long time house arrested in South Africa. This is why he know the price of aiming for power and being a leader of SPLM/A-IO.
He and Kiir needs to talks and settle the grievances before they order a new civil war. Because, this is how it has started before and they not keeping Machar safe, but instead infuriating his troops and his commander. This fragile situation is only getting more torn. That’s what should frighten the President and his government. However, it seems like his thriving on it. Peace.



“Frank Sobotka: You know what the trouble is, Brucey? We used to make shit in this country, build shit. Now we just put our hand in the next guy’s pocket” (The Wire – ‘Bad Dreams’ S2E11, 2003).
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has used lobbyist and paid representation in Washington D.C. since 1992. They have hired K-Street lawyers and lobbyist to fight for their causes. To get favourable coverage and also spread “information” to Congress members in both the House and Senate.
On that has represented Museveni and the Government of Uganda (GoU) for years is Joseph Szlavik of the Scribe Strategies & Advisors, Inc. The registration in FARA registry shows that his still representing and working for the interests of Uganda in the United States of America.
In 2021 he got two payments in June for his work as “compensation”. He earned USD$ 141,000. If you convert that Ugandan Shillings he was paid about UGX 507 million shillings.
In 2021 he sent dozens of emails to Representatives with the sole purpose of a “Meeting request for the Ambassador of Uganda”. He had two in-person meetings with Congressmen Earl Leroy Carter and John Kato. While holding a dinner event with the members of congress on the 24th June 2021 with Steve Chabot, Maria Elvira Salazar, Andy Barr and Claudia Tenny. He was also able to have a lunch meeting with Congressmen Chris Smith on the 26th July. While one man was willing to meet the Ugandan Ambassador in person, that was Senator Ted Cruz on the 29th July. The others who got emails didn’t do that and the list was endless in the filing. So, Szlavik is sending 100s of emails without any results, which is billed to the Government of Uganda.
So, the state is willing to pay over 100,000 USD for sending emails and such. With very little results. He is a professional lobbyist, but the results seems weak. It is like his emails are getting into the spam-folder and not touched. Since, his filling of 2021 emails to get Congressmen and Senators to meet the Ambassador was pages after pages, but only one registered meeting in person with ambassador and a few lunch meetings. That is barely anything substantial.
This is just like when the Baltimore Dock Union leader Frank Sobotka in the fictional tale of The Wire paid lobbyist Bruce DiBiago to get another pier and dry-dock by bribing politicians. The Union was paying this money to the lobbyist, but there was no results. Only that the lobbyist was paid and no results to show for it. Even in the end of the Wire season. Instead of getting the results and upgrade the port needed. It instead got turned into a condominium, meaning private housing and not furthering the attraction of the port. Which means the whole payments of the lobbyist was wasted and not bare any fruits what so ever.
Just like that fictional tale… Szlavik is the same in regard to Uganda. His getting paid, but clearly working and achieving very little. I cannot remember any of the Congressmen or that the prominent Senator Ted Cruz doing anything for the betterment of Uganda. To the contrary the United States government and their authorities are starting to sanction and make things harder for the regime in Kampala. Therefore, Szlavik has a lot of purpose, but very little to show for it. Peace.