Ukraine: Statement by Amin Awad, Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Crisis Coordinator for Ukraine (8 May 2022)

Ukraine: Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Osnat Lubrani, on the evacuations from Azovstal and Mariupol (8 May 2022)

Opinion: Putin will die on the hill of the swastika lie

In his congratulation telegrams for the leaders of Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, the Russian leader noted that our servicemen, just like their ancestors, are fighting together to liberate their soil from the Nazi filth, and expressed his certainty that victory will be our, just like in 1945” – President Vladimir Putin (08.05.2022)

Today is the 74th Day since Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. The war that has been waged in Kyiv from Minsk and Moscow on the belief that it’s eradicating “Nazism” in Ukraine. However, I think Moscow needs to look closer to home and how it’s operating. As they are closer aligned with the forces of the Second World War, than the people they are invading in Ukraine. The imperial forces of Russia isn’t saving anyone and neither is it liberating anyone either. It is just a barbaric and vicious force of men who comes to violate, destroy and conquer.

The Kremlin and Duma can make any excuse for the invasion, but that doesn’t necessarily make it true. A lie is a lie no matter how you sugar-coat it. Putin really wants to push this propaganda, though it is pointless, but his own Ministry of Truth will make it believable at home. Even if Europe and Ukraine knows this is false. That just shows the bitter truth.

There will be no vindication in this, only a bloodshed and the countless of soldiers losing their lives. So, that Putin can feel powerful in Kremlin and his remaining Generals can feel like they did something.

The countless casualties, sustained in the name of our common Victory, have become essential for our life and freedom. This memory must not be left in oblivion” (…) “again raises its head and seeks to impose its barbaric, inhuman order” (Putin, 08.05.2022).

That the Russians and Soviets wants to claim they won the Second World War isn’t anything new. They did it as a joint effort with the United Kingdom and the United States of America. That Axis of Alliance helped the cause of beating the Nazi’s in 1945. This is legit and the reasons for the Russians and the Soviets ability to fight from the East. Where they remained and annexed more Republic’s into it as well.

They kept nations under siege for so long after the WW2 and because of the fall of the Cold War. Is the reason for the liberation of former USSR states, which is now in the spotlight and where conflicts remains. As Putin wants to have total control and influence over these.

So, when Putin speaks of it’s “again raises its head” he must speak of Kremlin and Moscow who is returning to Kyiv and other capitals of Eastern Europe. As it is spearheading itself with invading forces and with vile troops who deplete, rapes, destroys and leaves nobody untouched. That is who the Russians are these days, as they conquer with the insignia “Z” and is proud of it too.

That’s why he calls Ukraine for “Nazi Filth” on Victory Day. His doubling, tripling down on it. While not taking to account any facts on the ground. Thinking this can stick and fly. That if he lies enough times.. it would suddenly be true.

We are not living in the timeline of the growing influence of the Swastika, but we are however seeing the brutality of the Russian “Z” and how its forces are invading Ukraine. Day-by-Day the massacres, the tortured victims and the raped women are reported about. The shelling of civilian targets, missiles into urban areas and whatnot. There is nothing that cannot be attacked by the Russians. They can burn museums, heritage sites and the battlefields are in the midsts of cities. That’s the war that the Russians has brought to the Ukrainian heartland.

This bloodshed, the pain and suffering are all on the tab of the Russians. It is all paid for and supported by the Kremlin. The Duma is cheering it on and their media stations is defending it 24/7. The “Z” is their pride and joy. They are glaring and supporting the war effort in Ukraine. Putin isn’t even concerned or worried about the effects of his war. As long as he wins and silence the current administration of Kyiv. That is his will and he wants Kyiv to grow closer to Moscow.

However, this war is only showing that Russians are not to be trusted. They are willing to kill their brothers and sisters to get their way. The Russians are willing to loot and rape to “win” their war. There is no mercy or care for lives, as long as territory is annexed to the Great Mother Russia. That is all that matters. This is how it seems and that’s the “again raises its head” to assault and diminish Ukraine.

This isn’t a war to defend Europe or Europeans against Nazis. No, this is a war to expand the influence and power Putin closer into the heart of Europe. That’s why Ukraine is defending not only itself and their sovereign rights. The Ukrainians are defending Europe from the brute forces of Russia. That should be commended, because every day it’s sacrificing itself for the plights of Europe. This shouldn’t be forgotten and Europe should repay this debt. Since, the Ukrainians fought this battle for the continent. If they had given up or given Russia way. They could easily have continued and found another nation to violate and eradicate more “Nazis” there. Peace.

United Kingdom: The possible ramifications of the recent election results

Not only has the Tories lost in Wales, Scotland and England. They have lost foothold in plenty of councils and lost enormous amount of councillors. This is also showing the growing sentiment both in Northern Ireland and in Scotland. That the affair of Brexit, the scandals and the poor governing skills of London is catching up with the rest of United Kingdom.

First of the election results in Northern Ireland, if Sinn Fein gets a mandate and if neutral Alliance Party supports it. The the “Ulster Province” could easily become a part of a United Ireland. The Northern Ireland as we know it could be swallowed and join the Irish Republic. Instead of being a sore thumb on the island and a relic of the colonial part of London there. The aims and mandates of Stormont may easily change after this one.

That would jeopardize the Good Friday Agreement and the Northern Ireland Protocol of Brexit. However, the sentiments are there and the Northern Irish would have it easier with trade, co-existence and be a part of the European Union. As Dublin and the Republic is already a Member State in the EU. Therefore, there is lots of benefits, which the United Kingdom is loosing out of and is failing upon it’s quest to sufficiently honour the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.

Second the results of Scotland can open up another can worms for London. The Scottish could easily with the rising power of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Tories falling third. This is shattering and showing what sort of leadership the Scots are aiming for. The Tories failing here is making them less viable and they are not a choice there.

Because of the 2021 election to Holyrod, the SNP has already 46% of the Scottish Parliament and has a huge advantage. They are winning more councils and getting more councillors together with other opposition parties. That can clearly make the SNP more harden stance of ushering in a second Independence Referendum. This shouldn’t shock anyone, as the Scots did vote in the Brexit Referendum for “Remain”. Therefore, the fallout could be happening.

As well, as the Scots and their export industries has already been hit hard by the Brexit. They are seeing it harder possibly to stay united and especially when the Tories in London are such a contrast to the EU. With that in mind, it only makes sense that the Scots wants to try again to leave London, in such a way that they could get closer to Brussels and the Common Market.

On a side-note though, the Welsh has cemented itself as a Labour stronghold. The Tories has nothing there both in the Assembly and even lesser extent in the Local Councils. That is just furthering the outcome of a party that isn’t a for the British isles, but only for England. The Tories is soon only in England and ousted elsewhere. That got to sting, as the Scots, Welsh and only the English is still voting for them. They never had a party organization in Northern Ireland, but they have allies there. However, they are losing too now.

This is the possible ramifications of the elections. The people could ask for this and with the recent votes, the Assemblies in the States makes it possible. The First Ministers of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland would all differ from London. That would strike a bitter tone and a distasteful chant in the way of the Tories. It won’t be smooth sailing for the Downing Street No. 10. His party is trailing and losing ground….

Prime Minister Johnson and his reign has eradicated the party from all around. The arrogance and entitlement is catching up. Now, the possible costs of Brexit might come closer to home too. As Sin Fein and SNP might table motions of referendums… which you know will be a blow to the Her Majesties Government in London. Whitehall and all the greatness of the fallen empire will be displeased. While we cannot foresee an outcome of those elections today. It wouldn’t be shocking, if they chose to leave or flee for independence from London. Both nations has all to gain and possibly also a closer connection to the EU. That something more worthwhile then holding the Union of the United Kingdom afloat these days. Since, it gives little, only more stagnation and lack of progress. The austerities and lack of progression is very evident.

London is calling, but the PM is ditching the calls. He knows what is coming. The aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic is here. He has nowhere to hide and the people are turning on his quickly. Peace.

Opinion: The Tories are the losers of these elections

The Conservative Party losing across the board. There is no victories to see and those who see any. Well, you are an anomaly and not according to the numbers. If the numbers of Wales, Scotland or England are telling. The Tories has lost vastly to the others. Some might say Labour didn’t do a landslide, but they together with the opposition won these elections. They took the councillors in Scotland, Wales and England. While the Unionists are losing in the Northern Ireland too.

If your are thinking this is salvageable numbers or polls for Prime Minister Boris Johnson. No, these sorts of results should send him packing. As this is a sign of the tiredness and the smug brat in Downing Street 10. His now a “walking dead” or a man with no trust in the people.

The Tories have no ground to stand on. Maybe they have the North of England. Where the blue-belt still remains. Nevertheless, they are losing elsewhere and it’s not looking any good. The Scottish National Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens are doing well. In Northern Ireland Sinn Fein and Alliance Party are on the rise too. So, there is possibly less friends in Belfast over the weekend too.

So, in Edinburgh and Cardiff, you have SNP and Labour who runs things. While in Belfast you could possibly have Sin Fein. There is no where to be found of friendly faces and allies of the Tories. The local councils has lost mandates and the majorities of the blue. The blue wave has vanished and left leaning politicians has gotten into office. That got to sting and hurt the pride of the Tories.

However, we know they will downplay this. The loss is huge and will have an impact. The MPs of the ruling party should be worried. Their seats are possibly up for grabs and the electorate is signalling them. The lack of proper governing, the handling of the pandemic and the costs of Brexit is now obvious. The spin-doctors cannot salvage this… there is no way of spinning this that makes any sort of sense.

London should be calling, but I doubt at this moment that the PM will care. His people are dodging and they know their party is bleeding. There is no good news on the horizon. The costs of Brexit and the fatigue of the scandals doesn’t make things better. The PM is a sleaze and someone who has acted above the rules and the codes of others. He cannot run away from that fact and think petty fines will let him off the hook. When the families, loved-ones and others wasn’t able to say their final goodbye’s during the pandemic. The drinking and the partying has backfired…

The polls and the results shows it. Not only is London turning red. Other parts are joining the Lib-Dems and the Greens. There is no real safe-haven, unless he wants to settle down in Sunderland. While the Tories should be worried. These results are a sign that the Tories cannot trade lies and deceit for much longer.

Boris Johnson ensured this loss. It isn’t even only in England, but it’s everywhere. Not looking decent anywhere really. Northern Ireland is even getting closer to Dublin. That got to hurt. While Edinburgh isn’t looking shiny either. There is no where to go and he cannot hide.

Boris has lost this one and by a landslide. The coalition and strategic voting has by all means countered the Tories. They couldn’t overcome this and it’s a major blow. The Tories have to wonder how much longer they can stick by this leadership and party line. Since, it is going backwards. They are losing and there is little to show for it. The constituents aren’t buying it and the spin isn’t working.

Some might say that the Labour didn’t do that well. Alas, Labour at least won seats, Liberal-Democrats and Greens are the major victors together with the SNP in Scotland. No denying that in that, but the ultimate loser of the Local Councillors Elections are the Tories. Peace.

Northern Irleand: Sinn Féin and Alliance Party seems like the winners of the polls

Sinn Féin (SF) and Alliance Party are the projected victors of the elections in Northern Ireland. There will be changes in Stormont and this will have affect on the rest of the United Kingdom. The voters has also turned their backs on Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). That is blow for the unionist, as the neutrals of the Alliance Party and the ones who wants Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland, SF is winning.

That says something. The Unionists and the ones for ties to London has lost seats and in general mandate in Stormont. This should worry not only the ruling party in London, but make you wonder how this will be materialized in Northern Ireland. As there are more friendly representatives of Dublin, than of London.

That’s if the numbers and the forecasts are correctly. The first results and first picks gives a vast majority and makes SF the biggest party. The losers are DUP, UUP and SDLP. While also Alliance Party and TUV have also gained momentum this time around. However. Alliance and SF will be the two parties that matters this time around.

The DUP will possible cause a wreck and chaos, as they will not accept the results and whatnot. We should expect them to this lightly. As the main competitor is having a massive win and a possible landslide. While the neutrals Alliance is also gaining grounds. This is not good look for the DUP or other Unionists. They are losing ground and it’s so obvious that things are backfiring.

Maybe this is a reaction to the Brexit and how it is impacting Northern Ireland. It would maybe be easier to just join the Republic and be part of the European Union. Instead of being the lost province and the lost territory, which the British still have influence over. That will cause friction and possible issues yet again.

A call for a referendum and possibly join the Republic is on the horizon now. Especially, if the SF and Alliance becomes the winners. That will hurt the Unionists and their causes. It wouldn’t be any sort of shocker. There is a generation who is born since the Good Friday Agreement (GFA) and only felt the results of the Brexit. Therefore, they are maybe moving towards Dublin and the European Union. Instead of being part of London and the United Kingdom. However, that is only speculation at this point.

This election isn’t only a result of Brexit and how it has played out in concern of Northern Ireland. Maybe, also many are tired of how the DUP has been politicking. They have seen how they used their majority and wants to try someone else. It is possible that the Unionists aren’t able to sell their cause and the alignment with UK any longer. Since, the UK is out of the EU and the advantages of it has gone in the wind.

When there is such vast changes between two elections. The latter can be caused by many things. Now that we are seeing the trickling in of results. It shows a change and it can have possible ramifications. That can shatter what we have seen before and we cannot turn the tide again. Nevertheless, the full results aren’t on the table and there is more counting tomorrow. The full tally will settle it all. However, SF and the Alliance is the projected winners of this election. That got to hurt plenty of parts of the Northern Ireland. It should also bring hope and inspire people as well.

It is hard to know how this plays out. While there was talks that Brexit could cause Northern Ireland to cede to Ireland. Now it is getting one step closer. Especially, if the SF gets a huge mandate and the Alliance, which is neutral and could co-sponsor a referendum. Peace.

Ukraine: WFP welcomes EUR 25 million from the European Union for humanitarian multipurpose cash and food assistance in Ukraine and Moldova (06.05.2022)

LVIV – The United Nations World Food Programme welcomes a contribution of EUR 25 million from the European Union to provide humanitarian food assistance to people affected by the conflict in Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. This funding contributes to the provision of multipurpose cash as well as immediate food relief to families in conflict-affected areas in Ukraine, and to displaced people from Ukraine in Moldovan transit sites and receptions centres.

As WFP continues to call on everyone to grant safe access to humanitarian relief operations in encircled and partially encircled cities in Ukraine, the generosity of WFP’s partners is enabling us to scale up our response to the conflict, with the goal of supporting six million people caught up in the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian crisis.

In Ukraine, families in conflict-affected areas are receiving food and ready-to-eat rations, while in areas where markets are functioning, multipurpose cash is being distributed so families can buy what they need most urgently. In Moldova, displaced people from Ukraine currently in transit sites and reception centres receive hot meals.

“We welcome this generous contribution from the European Union, which will help support the countless families who have had to flee for their lives and are struggling to put food on the table amid this humanitarian catastrophe,” said WFP Executive Director David Beasley. “It’s thanks to partners like the EU, who have stepped up with immediate funding, that WFP has already reached 3.4 million people in Ukraine and Moldova since the start of the war. But millions more urgently need our help.”

“The European Union has been working around the clock to ensure that life-saving aid reaches civilians in Ukraine,” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. “Humanitarian partners like WFP continue to deliver urgently needed emergency assistance to the most vulnerable as we speak.”

Over 7.7 million people are displaced inside Ukraine and the pre-conflict supply chain systems for feeding the country’s population have broken down in many areas. WFP estimates almost half of the people in the country are worried about finding enough to eat.

The conflict in Ukraine is also triggering a wave of collateral hunger elsewhere in the world. Global food prices have increased sharply since the onset of the conflict and are now at an all-time high. These hikes are expected to further limit access to food for millions of people who are already under stress because of food inflation in their countries.

Opinion: The Scots are ditching the Tories too… [and the SNP for the win)

Scotland – story so far is everyone is gaining save for the Conservatives and independents

Councillors

SNP: +17

Lab: +12

LD: +13

Green: +11

Conservatives: -40

Independents: -13” (Lewis Goodall, 06.05.2022).

Just like in England, the Local Councillor Elections in Scotland is going in favour of the opposition to the Conservative Party. The Tories are losing by a landslide. The Scottish National Party (SNP), Labour Party, Liberal-Democratic Party and the Green Party have all better results all over in Scotland. That got to hurt the Tories, as that was a place of rising Conservative Party ahead of the Brexit and such. Now things are turning and it’s showing the distress.

The Prime Minister and his ruling party should feel shattered by the results in England and Scotland. This is just showing that the Conservative Party isn’t having a stronghold or a strong base in Scotland. When the party can loose to everyone else. This is showing that the tide is turning. While SNP is furthering their mandate and galvanized instead. That should be a lesson for Sir Keir Stramer. Who needs to see the SNP as a possible ally in the up-coming snap-elections.

Since these results aren’t earth shattering, but the SNP is going from strength to strength. The leadership of the SNP should be happy and they should follow this momentum as well. Since, the Tories are failing and weakening. The other allies and parties should gather around to ensure the next steps ahead. These should use the new mandates and solidify it.

The SNP, Labour, Lib-Dems and Greens needs to make itself a coalition and plan ahead to ensure the end of the Tories. That is if they want a more left-leaning parties. It is time for them to show why they are an alternative and how they can serve the constituents.

The Tories should be shaking since they are losing massively. The margins or error is becoming visible. The damage done by the Brexit and by the scandals of Downing Street 10 is now hurting across the board. The governing party is wasting it’s opportunities to make a difference and actually make things better. Instead, it has served the elites and the wealthy, which the citizens has rebuked now.

The SNP should be praised for this and the other parties has delivered too. Labour should look into the Scottish Chapter and what it did to get these results. Because, that could be a healthy look to the rural and how Labour is struggling in the Northern England. They need to listen and be inspired by that. While Lib-Dems and Greens are showing to be a viable alternative too now. Therefore, this election should be seen as inspiring.

We should be proud of the Scots and their votes. They have decided to totally turn on the Tories and it’s deserved. Peace.

Opinion: The Tories are losing and some are already crying out loud about “long-Corbyn”

The local elections are really showing force this time around. The Conservative Party is losing councillors all around the board. In constituencies which has had no barren for other parties. The Tories has lost Barnet and other parts of London as well.

This is as result of the abysmal governing, a reckoning of the fatigue after bad results of Brexit and a train-wreck of handling the pandemic. The Tories knows this and that isn’t only the party-gate saga, but the whole mission of safety and losses of lives, which could have been saved if the care-homes was safeguarded and whatnot. The Tories could have with their majority and abilities to salvage more lives, but they have also kept the NHS barren for years. While giving tax-incentives to the elites and Londongrad. Therefore, the voters would vote strategically to punish the Tories. That all makes sense.

The opposition of the Tories has made arrangement and deals, which is giving leeway to each others parties. That was a distraction and called out by the Tories. However, the Tories has made similar arrangement with the Brexit Party and whatnot before. So, this is a failure of an election now matter how they are looking at it.

The ruling party should have solidify their local councils and prove their value. However, the public have rebuked them and they have lost vastly. Some might say Labour and Sir Keir Stramer haven’t won enough. While Labour did win seats and their allies won a lot too. The Liberal-Democrats and the Greens are winning landslides. This shows that the Labour needs to think of a coalition bid in the up-coming elections or in the next snap-elections. It would only make sense and be strategic to beat the Tories. Because, the Tories is the party who has everything to loose.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is losing the Councils and the power locally. The Tories are weakening and having less councillors. That got to hurt the pride and arrogance. That is why the big-media is already with the “Long-Corbyn” paradigm and saying the Labour isn’t doing as good as it did during Corbyn.

We know that Sir Keir Stramer doesn’t have the personality or the charisma of Corbyn. Neither does he have the ability to galvanize the party in the same manner. That’s why if his smart to use allies and these sorts of tactics to get power. Especially, when you don’t have the capacity to do it on their own. The same joining hands with the Scottish National Party (SNP) just like the Tories did with the DUP after the last snap-election.

So, Labour with the momentum and their allies could make a landslide. That is proven the massive losses of the Tories. The more numbers are trickling in… the worse it is looking. It isn’t getting better and the favourable numbers are going to Labour and Lib-Dems or Greens. These are the winners of the night and should pop the champagne. They are getting the councillors and the future regional or possible representatives national. Because, they are getting tested locally. That is really something and it’s a defeat by all margins.

The Prime Minister and his party has lost this election. The Tories can cry-out “long-Corbyn” but they know the gist. They are failing and it’s evident. This is showing that the people are ready for a change and doesn’t trust the Tories. That’s why they are voted out and the other parties are getting a stronger mandate.

Now, it is up to the Labour and the allies to plan ahead. They should play smart and strategic in the next election too. In such a way they can have a coalition victory. If not… they are short-sighted and not thinking ahead. The Tories are wounded and they are battered. However, they don’t mind as long as they have power in White Hall and Downing Street. Peace.

Opinion: The Russian vilification of Ukraine and everyone else doesn’t work

The Russians are trying to pin everything on Kyiv. They are making President Volodymyr Zelensky the worst and name-calling him into oblivion. That Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov goes far and uses all means shouldn’t shock anyone.

The Russians warns everyone and says everyone else in the wrong. The Russians and Kremlin is always right. That is at least how they operate. The Kremlin and Duma is righteous no matter how many massacres, extra judicial-killings and rapes of innocent civilians in Ukraine. As long as the mission or “Special Operation” is fulfilled.

It is really striking, as the Russians warns of arms export to Ukraine. They have promised to target convoys and whatnot crossing into Ukraine. Russians has warned Finland and Sweden from joining NATO. Doing the same to the Moldova and Georgia who has also speeded up their process to become a member of the European Union (EU). Seriously, Russia has gone after them all and if not… they are speaking out of terms and without proof at this point.

This is a way of defending the indefensible. We know that Kremlin and Moscow have a superior complex, which has never been revived. The Russian government and Federation wants to be an empire again. That’s why they are using the means of Russian interference in former Soviet Republic’s like Ukraine.

We are supposed to believe that the Russians would send their youths to annex the Donbas region. The Russians are doing this to dismantle and get control of Kyiv. They are worried that the borders of European Union and NATO edges closer. While Russia isn’t as strong or built as a force to be reckon with. No, it is falling behind and fast.

Now, the current leadership is killing their next generation and a massive amount of future civilians. These are maybe from the most impoverish parts of Russia and from the marginalized regions of the Federation. Still, these are the future of Russia, but they are bleeding and dying on the battlefield towards Kyiv. It is tragic that the game of the megalomanic of Kremlin is causing this.

The Russian government and authorities has decided to wage this war. The Russian and Belorussian allies decided this and they encircled the whole Ukraine for a long time before invading in the end of February 2022. That was a deliberate act and they said to defend and declare Donbas free, but they targeted the whole Republic. That just shows the lie and how great that lie is. Russians are dying on the battlefield over a lie.

A lie of vilification and creating villains out of Ukraine. The victim and the ones who is invaded is the monster. While the real monster and the bogeymen is crossing into Ukraine. They are the barbarians and the ones who comes with destruction. The ones who comes with looting and war-crimes against Ukraine.

So, it is tiring that Russians are the ones that has violated the Minsk Agreement and the Budapest Memorandum, but always claim Ukraine did so. If you read them and know how the Russians has annexed territory and armed separatists in Donbas. Therefore, the Russians blaming Ukraine is getting old..

We know everyone else is villains in the eyes of the leaders of Russia. Only the ones that is towing the party line is decent people. It doesn’t matter if they are burying their nephews or nieces, since that is what Kremlin and the Duma is busy at doing in Ukraine. Either with their own troops who dies on the battlefront or the Ukrainian brothers they killing in actions. Peace.