Opinion: Some says War has returned to Europe [and I say it was exported but now came home to roost]

It been a long time since the Yugoslavian war in the 1990s. That was the last big-war and conflict, which the world powers came into play and fought on separate sides. As all the Slavic people of region fought for their statehood and such. Which in the end has ended up on in several of independent nations, but has since then been at peace.

Alas, there haven’t been a moment where the European powers haven’t been involved or participated elsewhere since then. They have either done that by proxy, by exporting military weapons or equipment or themselves participated in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) operations or invasion. If not, it has directly invaded or made itself impose it’s power onto a nation. Therefore, it has never ceased to use weapons and war. The only difference, it has happen far away and for other means.

The United States has supported wars, been the main aggressor or the initiator in several of conflicts. While United Kingdom has participated directly too. Other European nations has been parts of coalition of a willing. Therefore, we know they are willing wage war and has done so too. This been done over years and the conflict ever ceasing. Even after they are leaving. The parties are still unresolved and the conflicts persist.

So, when I hear again and again that the war returned to Europe. I am saying “yes it did, but it was already here”. What I mean by that… the Europeans has exported the wars. They have supported proxies, which has fought their wars. Europeans has sent brigades, operative armies elsewhere and done warfare. This being as part of United Nations Peacekeeping Missions or directly work for own interests in former colonies.

That’s why the European nations haven’t been all peaceful. They have used arms, weapons and military equipment all across the globe. They have traded and earned profits on wars. This has been done and these wars has only been bylines or parts of bulletins in the tabloids. While bloodshed, massacres and whatnot happens in these conflicts. That is just what’s going on. If it is in Yemen, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo or in the Central African Republic. These things can be prolonged and the conflict is a very valuable commodity. A commodity and a business, which is a never ending ride of profits, both in weaponry and resources, which becomes easily accessible when you have the right leader serving any given territory. Therefore, these sorts of moves has happened and the West has gladly joined the ride.

This is why the powers of the West, United States and others has supported the end of certain leaders. In such a fashion, that it get rid of a popular leader who intends to nationalize or reform the mineral extraction industries and instead get a puppet regime there. While using armies and support to keep it up. A war for the interests of the West and not for the nation at hand. Just like it accepted to use illegal means to overthrow Morales in Bolivia. That sort of play fitted the U.S. and Washington D.C. and it could have been much more bloody. However, that’s how it does it and we cannot deny this fact in 2022.

Yes, Russia’s imperialism in Ukraine is wrong. Nevertheless, that doesn’t justify the imperialism of United States or any of it’s NATO allies either. What the USA did in Iraq or Afghanistan should be addressed. Just like whatever war-crimes that all parties have possibly done in Syria. The same can be said about the parties involved Yemen or Ethiopia for that matter. All war-crimes should be punishable and be investigated by the same International Court. Not just go after Russia now. The other nations and the leadership of that time should be held accountable. That is only fair.

So, when saying all this. African Union has worked for a few years now to “silence the guns” which is an ideal programme. No matter how faulty and weak the AU is an organization. How the AU as an entity tends to favour tyrants and dictators, instead of the will of the people. Still, the ideals of that programme is something the European Union and United States should look into themselves. As it is a set of ethics, which could inspire them to think about the consequences of it’s actions elsewhere.

Right now it is justified to enlarge military budgets, expand spending on upgrading the military equipment and vehicles, ensure you have a decent air-force and whatnot. When the war-drums are happening so close to your own shores. It only makes sense, as the borders and the length of distance to Ukraine set the parameter of action of own self-defence. However, Europe has participated and been acting in accordance with war. Just not on their shores or in the near borders of own capitals. It hasn’t gotten close to comfort. Neither has the consequences of it or the ramifications of a war. No, that has been held at a distance…

Now, the conflicts of Europe is coming home. The weapons exports is happening to far-away hinterland or to any of their allies world-wide. Therefore, this war is more consuming to the West. Since, it involves them all and it’s a worry of escalation. Also, if Russia want to further it’s borders and annex even more countries after Ukraine. That is unknown and uncharted territory of Europe in this day and age. They have accepted and participated in conflicts outside of their home-bound regions. But now it’s happening there and it makes things more edgy.

That’s why people are speaking of the wars are coming home. I will say they were always here. That’s why we was busy making advanced weapons, exporting ammunition and selling artillery across the world. While also either being part or being parties in conflicts across the world after the 1990s Yugoslavian war.

There is time to recognize this and acknowledge this. Because, if we don’t, we are hypocrites and people who don’t reflect on our own actions. My own home country has exported weapons and participated in NATO missions across the world, which has inflicted insufferable damage and destruction. This is why we cannot act like we didn’t wage war or had no say in it. Our nations and participation had consequences, which is felt today in Libya and Afghanistan. These sorts of acts shouldn’t be forgotten. It is the act of cruelty to forget that… and we can’t if we are honest.

The wars wasn’t in Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Rome or in Warsaw, but we never know our future. Yesterday it was in Kabul and Baghdad. Now it is hitting Kyiv and we should stand in solidarity with Ukraine. However, at the same time, we need to reflect on the policies and actions, which lead the West and U.S. into similar conflicts anywhere else. Peace.

South Sudan: Joint Communique on the Visit of H.E. Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, Chairman of the Sovereign Council of Sudan to the Republic of South Sudan (18.03.2022)

Ukraine: President Zelensky speaks to the Russian families and their fallen soldiers

The 22nd day of our struggle, our defense against one of the world’s largest armies is over. Which we make smaller every day. Every day. But it still has numbers, equipment and reserves. We have information that the Russian military is recruiting mercenaries from other countries, trying to deceive as many young people as possible into military service. We know that this will not help them. So now I warn everyone who will try to join the occupiers on our Ukrainian land. This will be the worst decision of your life. Long life is better than the money you are offered for a short one” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

Here we are on the 22nd Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. His speeches brings inspiration, but also show how the government are working in war-time. President Volodymyr Zelensky is speaking and showing the courage of Ukrainians in the middle of their struggle to defend their nation against their neighbour.

What is striking is how he warns the Russian soldiers and their allies. Because his speaking directly to them. So, that they can know what is awaiting them. That they can met their grave and die in war, which they could have avoided. Since, the Ukrainian President doesn’t want to see their demise, but he has too. If they participate and does take part of the invasion. That is really saying something. Instead of speaking of vengeance… his showing character yet again.

Just read this quotes here:

Our courageous defenders continue to hold all the key areas that the enemy is pressing. And respond to every attack. To every blow of the occupiers to our peaceful cities, to our people. New Russian conscripts have been taken prisoner. Among them are those who refuse to return to Russia. And there are many who are not even mentioned in Russia. They don’t even try to take them back. Their death notifications have been sent to their families although they are in captivity and alive. All Russians who can hear me now, speak about it. Tell it in Russia. Every mother who knows that her son was sent to war against Ukraine must check where her son is. And especially those who cannot contact their children, who have been told that their children had been killed. And who didn’t receive the bodies. There are phone numbers on the Internet that you can call and find out what is really happening to your children. We did not plan to take thousands of prisoners. We do not need 13 or any number of thousands of dead Russian soldiers. We do not need it. We didn’t want this war. We only want peace. And we want you to love your children more than you fear your authorities” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

You know the war is going bad and the Russian government don’t want to show it locally when they are leaving the bodies behind. Since, if the deceased and killed soldiers on the front-line was returned home. The communities of the soldiers, the families and friend across Russia would see the affects of the war. It wouldn’t just be stats, but be consequential to how the society reacts to it. Maybe, Kremlin don’t want that, as it is thing that would backfire and also cause a stir. People would see the death-toll and losses, as every single person has a family and friends. That will wonder what happened to them. Since, they knew that they left for the front and now they have never returned. So with that in mind, this is also a signal of what is going on and could create reactions within Russia. You never know how fathers and mothers of fallen soldiers will react, but it could spark a counter-reaction, which Kremlin cannot control. That’s why they rather leaving the bodies behind… because the Russian authorities wants everything under wraps and not expose the losses after the start of the invasion.

The occupiers thought they were going to Ukraine, which they had seen before, in 2014-2015. Which they constantly corrupted and which they were not afraid of. But we are different. And this allows us to defend ourselves against a full-scale strike for 22 days already. Everything we have done in a few years. For our defense. For our tactics. For defense tactics, which is not the time to reveal while the war is going on. It is not the time to reveal our tactics of negotiations as well. Negotiations for peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity of our state, our freedom. Working more in silence than on television, radio or Facebook. I think this is right” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

Here Zelensky is addressing how the Russians didn’t have the foresight or the idea of how the Ukrainian army would be able to defend itself. It thought strategically that it would be easy and that they could just takeover the Kyiv easily. However, Ukraine has proven to be a hard nut to crack and the Russian armies haven’t found a way to break through. That’s why their assaults are becoming brutal and they want to kill all morale. Since, there weapons, manpower and everything else haven’t succeeded.

These sorts of addresses from Zelensky is important. They will be vital and not only from a PR perspective, but from the sentiment of the head of state. As he sets the tone and shows heart in the middle of conflict. His proving his leadership qualities and also an orator in a time of need, which shows the bravery and the heroic spirit of Ukraine. As they continuing to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Peace.

South Sudan: “Don’t abandon us”: An Open Letter to Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council (14.03.2022)

Russia: Putin warns the oligarchs

They are trying to bet on a so-called fifth column, on traitors of the nation, on those who earn money here but live over there. And live there not just in a geographic sense, but in their minds and their consciousness which is that of slaves. I don’t judge those with villas in Miami or the French Riviera. Or who can’t get by without oysters or foie gras or so-called ‘gender freedoms.’ The problem is they mentally exist there, and not here, with our people, with Russia. They think this places them in a higher caste” – President Vladimir Putin (16.03.2022).

This is striking, unique and shows how his state of mind is these days. As the sanctions are hitting the economy hard. The wealth of the oligarchs is at stake and their foreign assets is ceased. Their investments, companies and all things are crashing. Not only the opportunities to have visa abroad, but all the money cannot buy them a life there now.

This means the wealth generated by the businesses and transactions in Russia. Cannot by the hegemony or lavish life in the West. We know Londongrad has been an issue, but Russian oligarchs has been involved in all parts of the West. That has been issue for a long time and the Russian money has funnelled across the continents.

It is really striking that Putin says this. We wouldn’t be shocked, if he has estates or assets across the globe. We wouldn’t be shocked, if he has vast accounts filled with massive amount of wealth in tax-havens like Switzerland or anywhere else. That would just make sense after all of these years in office.

President Putin and the Oligarchs has been a marriage of convenience. Where the oligarchs has enjoyed massive profits on the industries and resources of Russia. While they have supported and ensured the stability, which has been a needed political currency that Putin has thrived on. Now the sanctions are biting and the rich backers of the regime is hurting. They are losing stocks, estates and assets all over. Their riches is withering away and lost because of the invasion of Ukraine.

Now, he who has needed them and gotten support of them. Now, he tells them not to be associated or worried about the West. A life and an aspect, which has enriched the oligarchs. Where they could spend on lifestyle goods, enjoy holidays in sunny areas of Europe and spend time in skiing resorts in the alps. The oligarchs could taste Hollywood, BAFTA sand Cannes without any issues, as they we’re living lives that no one else could.

That’s why Putin is afraid that the luxurious VIPs feels touched by the sanctions and don’t want to live in micro-USSR issues in Moscow. Where they cant’ drink Coke or have a latte at Starbucks. He is afraid that Western companies leaving Russia and the losses will be a burden to many for the oligarchs. That’s why he speaks of dogma and ethics. Because, of nationalism is now supposed to be more valuable than wealth. This is rich coming from a power-hungry man who has used all means to stay in power. That has changed the laws to ensure his longevity. This is another sort of greed, which he has filled his heart and mind with.

So, when he tries to teach a lesson to the oligarchs. It says something and should be worth to note. As the oligarchs and Putin has all thrived on a beneficial relationship together over the years. They have all traded and it has been profitable. That is the truth.

Putin continued where Yeltsin’s privatization left off and the oligarchs became a class on their own. Now he has to either reign them in or in fear of what they will do, as they are losing their wealth. They are losing their businesses and privileges, which they have become so accustomed too. Peace.

Ukraine: President Zelensky – “Responsibility for war crimes of the Russian military is inevitable”

On the 19th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of the Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky speech is as important as can be. His words are inspirational, but also binding. As it says something about the sentiment of what is happening in Ukraine. He says what is needed to be said, as the territory and integrity of the Republic is violated on the regular.

In the beginning of the speech he said:

As before, the enemy is confused. They did not expect such resistance. They believed in their propaganda, which has been lying about us for decades. They still can’t recollect themselves. But they have already begun to understand that they will not achieve anything by war. Their soldiers know this. Their officers are aware of this. They flee the battlefield. They abandon equipment. We take trophies and use them to protect Ukraine. Today, Russian troops are, in fact, one of the suppliers of equipment to our army. They could not imagine such a thing in a nightmare. And I want to tell the Russian soldiers. Those who have already entered our land. And who are just about to be sent to fight against us. Russian conscripts! Listen to me very carefully. Russian officers! You’ve already understood everything. You will not take anything from Ukraine. You will take lives. There are a lot of you. But your life will also be taken” (Zelensky, 15.03.2022).

Is words are clear and as the one who is defending his nation. We know the Russian Federation and state has made propaganda to make it reasonable to attack Ukraine. This is why the Ukrainian President says these words. He even states that the Russian soldiers are dying for a lie and fighting on a lie. That should hurt he pride of the Russian soldiers and the ones who get to hear this in Kremlin. However, we know they don’t care or value the existence of Ukraine. Still, it is powerful and necessary words nevertheless.

He continues:

But why should you die? What for? I know that you want to survive. We hear your conversations in the intercepts, we hear what you really think about this senseless war, about this disgrace and about your state. Your conversations with each other. Your calls home to your family. We hear it all. We draw conclusions. We know who you are. Therefore, I offer you a choice. On behalf of the Ukrainian people, I give you a chance. Chance to survive. If you surrender to our forces, we will treat you the way people are supposed to be treated. As people, decently. In a way you were not treated in your army. And in a way your army does not treat ours. Choose! Our brave defenders continue to inflict devastating losses on Russian troops” (Zelensky, 15.03.2022).

The Russian soldiers if they ever get to hear it or reads this speech should be concerned. They should understand how Ukrainians and the how the Ukrainian President looks upon them. He has to speak like this and defend his nation. While he also says … that the conscripts and soldiers can decide their fate. That is really deep knowing how many who has already lost their lives and how fiercely defended its front-lines.

He further stated:

I am grateful to those Russians who do not stop trying to convey the truth. To those who fight disinformation and tell the truth, real facts to their friends and loved ones. And personally to the woman who entered the studio of Channel One with a poster against the war. To those who are not afraid to protest. As long as your country has not completely closed itself off from the whole world, turning into a very large North Korea, you must fight. You must not lose your chance. The European Union has approved the fourth package of sanctions against Russia. The fourth – and I’m sure not the last. We are working with partners on new restrictions that will be applied against the Russian state. Everyone who is responsible for the war. Everyone who is responsible for the destruction of democracy. Everyone who is responsible for repression against people. Everyone will get an answer. The answer of the world. And this is just the beginning” (Zelensky, 15.03.2022).

You know it is bad in Moscow and Russia when the Ukrainian President can say the way things are looking or reported is getting closer to North Korea. That is really depressing, but maybe the brutal truth. As the media-laws and control from Putin is with an iron-fist. Where the news are manufactured from the central government and nothing else than what they state is the truth. Therefore, it was courage and an act of resistance what the person did at Channel One.

It really says it all and what is at stake, when this brutal and futile war is about democracy versus dictatorship. That is really tragic, but the real deal. As the difference between the one-man rule of Putin and the democratically elected Zelensky. That’s why the battle is more than just a defence of a sovereign nation, but also values, which is shared across Europe. This is why Zelensky and Ukraine aligns itself with Europe and not Moscow.

Finally to support the war-time economy, he said this:

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has agreed on a package of decisions to support our economy. So that business works. So that people have jobs. Where security allows. Where people are ready for it. First, we are starting tax reform. Instead of VAT and income tax we give a rate of 2 percent of turnover and simplified accounting. For small businesses – this is the first and second group of sole proprietors – we set a voluntary payment of a single tax. That is, if you can – pay. You can’t – no questions asked. The second is maximum business deregulation. We cancel all inspections for all businesses. So that everyone works normally. So that the cities come to life. So that life continues wherever there is no hostilities. The only condition is that you ensure the normal operation of your business in the framework of Ukrainian law” (Zelensky, 15.03.2022).

This here shows how dire things is and what the war does to the economy. Things are financially not working anymore. That’s why the President and Cabinet of Minister has decided this. It is really a statement when everything is grounded at 2%. Things cannot be stated otherwise. Not that it’s shocking… because a war has consequences and this is one of them. The destruction of society and a nation is evident with taxation like this. While it also shows courage and trust in the citizens, that if they are able they can pay it. The same is happening with the businesses. Just the idea and execution of it all, states how bad things are and how it affects all parts of society. This is the result of the invasion and how it has made the Republic crumble. Because, two things are always certain in life, death and taxes. In war both is present, but the latter isn’t able to implemented like in peaceful times.

Zelensky’s speech is powerful and necessary, it proves a point and shows how poignant he is. He is a voice of reason in the middle of war. It is horrific times and the world needs to listen to him. The Russian soldiers who hears or reads this speech. Should consider it, but I doubt it. They are ordered to be there and wouldn’t mutiny. These would be disgraced and it would have severe consequences. However, it would be better to be charged over a mutiny, than dying over a war waged on a lie. Peace.

Mali: Communique No. 022 du Gouvernement de la Transition (13.03.2022)

Opinion: Biden you need to reign in Harris

So, I will say what I know we all say and that I will say over and over again. The United States stands firmly with the Ukrainian people in defense of the NATO alliance” (…) “The ocean that separates us will not leave us untouched by this aggression”– Vice President Kamala Harris (12.03.2022).

If you need proof that someone is out of their league or not in their comfort-zone. You need to go no further than look into how United States of America Vice President Kamala Harris has taken charge and been active in concern to the war overseas in Europe. She hasn’t been stellar and her performance isn’t all that. There is a need for more well prepared speeches and also acknowledge the facts.

The first and foremost fact is that Ukraine isn’t an ally of NATO. Neither is Ukraine a member of the European Union (EU). It is trying to become a member of EU and wants to become a member state of NATO. The Russian invasion and war might trigger the need of both even more. However, sadly by the current state of affairs. Kyiv isn’t part of the Western Alliance of NATO and not part of the political alliance of EU. Jens Stoltenberg couldn’t have been so hesitant and reluctant to interfere or participate in the war. If Ukraine was a member state. Than he couldn’t look with a blind eye in Brussels and consider every move. This is why Harris needs a friendly reminder by her staff and the White House. So, she doesn’t do a gaffe like this.

Her intentions might be good and her will as well. However, this is only showing how she isn’t up to scratch or fitted to be in the realm of conflict. She needs to have her ducks in a row and here she didn’t and it’s reckless. The US VP should know these things… but apparently she don’t and it’s such a foolish remark.

She did another gaffe as well:

I am here, standing here on the northern flank — on the eastern flank talking about what we have in terms of the eastern flank and our NATO Allies and what is at stake at this very moment. What is at stake this very moment are some of the guiding principles around the NATO Alliance and, in particular, the issue and the importance of defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, in this case, of Ukraine” (Kamela Harris – ‘Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Andrzej Duda of Poland in Joint Press Conference’ 10.03.2022).

Northern Flank of NATO would be Norway and the Arctic region close to the borders of Russia. This the operations and the operational military fleet in the Barents Sea. Therefore, Harris should know these things, but she tried to put it right with Eastern Flank, which is right. As the whole Eastern Flank has gotten more troops and equipment from the alliance after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

NATO has put forward systems and mechanisms to ensure the safety of the Member States in the region. Which is vital… European Union and allies has given weapons, ammunition and military equipment to Ukraine. They are trying to get that Kyiv. However, they are not following up the pleas of President Zelensky to ensure a “no-fly-zone” over Ukrainian Air-Space.

Therefore, the sovereignty and territorial integrity isn’t of the most importance of the NATO alliance. That is only words and only symbolic support. Harris cannot bushwhack Europeans or Ukrainians in this one. No, it is far fetched, as the U.S. blocked the MIG-29 Jets from Poland to Ukraine, which could have helped their air-force. Therefore, the US and Pentagon isn’t sincere in their acts or visions. Big words, but not delivering where the one party is in need.

Harris and Biden hasn’t been sincere here. They are talking big-game, but when push come to shove. It is backtracking and becoming worried about the consequences. Alas, not taking into account the destruction and the desperate situation of Ukraine right now. Peace.

Mali-Mauritanie: Communique Conjoint (12.03.2022)

Ukraine: Russia will target all convoys entering into Ukraine

Russia will target all convoys entering Ukraine loaded with arms. Proposals on security guarantees that Russia had sent to the US and NATO before Russian forces entered Ukraine last month were no longer valid as the situation had now changed completely”– Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov (12.03.2022).

The Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, which is today on the 17th Day. The warfare is continuing and the plights of Ukraine is rising. The invader is blocking convoys and cease-fires to make it possible for internally displaced persons to move out of conflict zones. As the Russians and their allies are shelling, sending missiles and bombing urban areas.

What is striking is that the Deputy Foreign Minister Ryahkov clearly doesn’t care about the Geneva Convention or the articles the parties of war are supposed to adhere too. One of them is Article 55, which I will refer to underneath. As that sets the stage and what any party of a conflict is supposed to do. In the case of the Russian Federation… they plan not to follow that guideline.

Rule 55. The parties to the conflict must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, which is impartial in character and conducted without any adverse distinction, subject to their right of control” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

It also states:

The Fourth Geneva Convention requires States to “allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores” intended only for civilians and “the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases”.[1] Additional Protocol I broadens this obligation to cover “rapid and unimpeded passage of all relief consignments, equipment and personnel”.[2] This broadening is generally accepted, including by States not, or not at the time, party to Additional Protocol I.[3]” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

If this isn’t telling and in comparison to what the Russian are willing to do. That shouldn’t shock us, as they target anything and blows it up in their way. It isn’t like they are using smart-bombs or only targeting the ones who is fighting them. The Russian armies haven’t only gone after military bases and front-lines of the Ukrainian forces. No, it has directly gone after civilian targets and areas, which makes non-combatants as targets in this war.

This is just furthering it and escalating it. They are now going after the ones who is coming with humanitarian aide and need. The Russians are willing to target the humanitarian assistance convoys, which is entering into Ukraine. If you thought the Russians came with good intentions in Ukraine. This proves there is nothing good in this war. Only death and destruction…

We are seeing and the Russians are proud to breach the Geneva Convention. They cannot even help the citizens in need and the ones who wants to help the suffering in Ukraine. That is tragic and insane. However, that is what Kremlin and Russia is willing to do. This will also hurt foreigners and nations, which isn’t directly involved in the conflict. The targeting of the convoys will possible involve other citizens of neutral nations. Therefore, this might trigger reactions from parties and nations that nothing to do with the war. Needing-less to say… this is horrific and shows how sinister the ideals of Moscow is at the moment. That they are willing to do this and warns that they will go through with it.

I will not be shocked to read that Humanitarian workers are found dead or killed by Russian soldiers now. Because of what the Deputy Minister said. I expect it and they will casualties of war. Just because they tried to feed, nurture and get vital basic necessities into a war-zone. Peace.