Ukraine: [“War has come”] The two vital pieces from President Zelensky’s address today

Usually on such days we used to say: “Spring has come”. But now we are saying: “War has come”. But we will definitely defeat everyone no matter what. Because we are free people of a free country” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

Today is the 24th day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. On this day President Volodymyr Zelensky has clearly come with a message. He is continuing his statement and being persistent in the will of the sovereign and territorial integrity of Ukraine. That is abundantly clear and his still willing to speak to the aggressor and directly hold peace-talks.

This showing will, which Kremlin and Moscow is downplaying. He is clear in the message, but certainly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Russia will say otherwise. They will try to deflect this and say it is postering. While we are only seeing their unfair and biased demands, which isn’t dignified for a sovereign. Therefore the negotiations between the parties are on unequal grounds, as the Russian parties at this stage expects Ukraine to be demilitarized and “neutral” after they have been violated and felt the suffering by the Russian armies.

Therefore, negotiations on peace, on security for us, for Ukraine – meaningful, fair and without delay – are the only chance for Russia to reduce the damage from its own mistakes. We have always insisted on negotiations. We have always offered dialogue, offered solutions for peace. Not only during 23 days of invasion. And I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. It’s time to meet. Time to talk. It is time to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia’s losses will be so huge that several generations will not be enough to rebound” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

What is really striking here, which will be for both parties. This war will be detrimental for both nations for the next generations. As they have both been affected, which will be reflected on a lost generation. Since, the men and people was internally displaced within Ukraine. While the Russians are losing financially and integration with the rest of the world. The Russians are also losing manpower and soldiers who fought a meaningless war on behalf of the will of Putin. Instead of making things better for the next generation. They did on the plights of one man’s wish to conquer Kyiv and install his puppet regime there.

But the occupiers continue to block the supply of humanitarian aid to the besieged cities in most areas. This is a totally deliberate tactic. They have a clear order to do absolutely everything to make the humanitarian catastrophe in Ukrainian cities an “argument” for Ukrainians to cooperate with the occupiers. This is a war crime. They will be held accountable for this. 100%. Every Russian figure who gives such orders and every Russian soldier who carries out such orders will be identified. And will receive a compulsory one-way ticket to The Hague. To the city where the International Criminal Court is located” (Zelensky, 19.03.2022).

This is showing what has been said and how the Russians operate. They have become more vicious and uses civilians as cannon-fodder. They are targeting towns and cities filled with people. Blowing up shelters and sending missiles against convoys. That just shows what extent and what they are willing to do. Just to “win” by conquering and totally destroy their enemy. Which they are supposed to be able to impose a new regime in. Where they are supposed to be the good guys, but instead acts like villains. The Russians soldiers and commanders has to be held accountable for their violations against the Geneva conventions. That is just necessary as they are killing civilians and targeting humanitarian assistance into war-zones. They have forewarned, but that doesn’t justify it.

President Zelensky is a voice of reason in the midst of war. “War has come” and no one asked for it. Peace.

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.

Ukraine: Putin’s called it “brotherly love” to invade Ukraine at Crimean annexation celebration at Luzhniki Sports Centre earlier today…

Vladimir Putin attended a concert marking eight years since Crimea’s reunification with the Russia, at the Luzhniki Sports Centre in Moscow” (Kremlin.ru, 18.03.20229:

Just as the 22nd day of Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. The devastation, destruction and total annihilation of the towns and cities, which doesn’t surrender to the Russians. That’s why the Russians are bombing, sending missiles and causing constant death. This is the reality of it all and the Russian President tries to make it reasonable, which it isn’t and never have been.

What he did today was a moment of propaganda… where he tried to hold a prestigious event and bash in the celebration of the annexation of the 2014 of the Crimean peninsula. Now, he continues to call it a “special operation” and not warfare, which it is. While he can claim to stop a “genocide” but not war. That is how ridiculous the President Vladimir Putin is.

I am only taking a part of the English version, as this part of the speech says it all about his state of mind and how he defends war. There is no bound and it shows his darkness and will to wage war in Ukraine. When he speaks like this and tries to use the same slogans as before…

Read it here:

We needed to drag Crimea out of that humiliating position and state that Crimea and Sevastopol had been pushed into when they were part of another state that had only provided leftover financing to these territories. There is more to it. The fact is we know what needs to be done next, how it needs to be done, and at what cost – and we will fulfil all these plans, absolutely. These decisions are not even as important as the fact that the residents of Crimea and Sevastopol made the right choice when they put up a firm barrier against neo-Nazis and ultra-nationalists. What was and is still happening on other territories is the best indication that they did the right thing. People who lived and live in Donbass did not agree with this coup d’état, either. Several punitive military operations were instantly staged against them; they were besieged and subjected to systemic shelling with artillery and bombing by aircraft – and this is actually what is called “genocide.” The main goal and motive of the military operation that we launched in Donbass and Ukraine is to relieve these people of suffering, of this genocide. At this point, I recall the words from the Holy Scripture: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” And we are seeing how heroically our military are fighting during this operation. These words come from the Holy Scripture of Christianity, from what is cherished by those who profess this religion. But the bottom line is that this is a universal value for all nations and those of all religions in Russia, and primarily for our people. The best evidence of this is how our fellows are fighting and acting in this operation: shoulder to shoulder, helping and supporting each other. If they have to, they will cover each other with their bodies to protect their comrade from a bullet in the battlefield, as they would to save their brother. It has been a long time since we had such unity” – President Vladimir Putin – ‘Concert marking the anniversary of Crimea’s reunification with Russia’ 18.03.2022).

We are seeing yet again that he claims to “de-nazify” Ukraine. While using propaganda in both defence of Donbass and Crimea. It is all the same story of which we have gotten used too. The same sort of using false-flag operations and using it to defend it’s own war-crimes. That is what Putin does and continues to do. He is pinning anything on Ukraine and not taking anything to account of his soldiers and his army in Ukraine. It is all blaming … Ukraine and Ukrainian forces. That is what he does, as he celebrated the illegal annexation of Crimea.

It is really strange usage of the bible to defend the invasion of Ukraine. When he speaks of “lay down his life for his friends”, as he calls them genocidal and Nazi’s. It is like his rhetoric is boundless, vilification, while still trying to make it seem reasonable. Which in my mind doesn’t add up. However, the speech isn’t to a person like me or any intellectual bound person. It is supposed to feed on your nationalism and heart for mother Russia. This is continuing the belief of a Greater Russia and a new USSR. Therefore, this is “brotherly love” by using a “special operation” to invade Ukraine.

He defends every bullet and the war here. Saying it is unifying … that is disgraceful, but that’s how the Russian President operate. He will continue to use this rhetoric and defend it. There is no measure or means, which he cannot use for his own cause. Making false-flag operations and other tricks to make the Ukrainians villains on their own territory. Therefore, this speech proves that he will use these for own personal gains. That is how he is and what he does. Peace.

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.

Ukraine: The Baltic Nations has now officially declared support for a No Fly Zone over Ukraine

The Lithuanian Seimas unanimously adopted a resolution calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to secure a no-fly zone over #Ukraine to stop the mass deaths of civilian” (LR Seimas, 17.03.2022).

The Saeima (Parliament of Latvia) adopts a declaration calling for a No Fly Zone over Ukraine & other measures to limit Russia’s aggression against Ukraine” (Latvia in the UK, 17.03.2022).

The Estonian Republic adopted the resolution for the No Fly Zone on the 14th March 2022. The two other Baltic Republic have followed after it and have made their own declarations today. This means that Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn is all supporting the wishes the of Kyiv. They are all waging in the war between Russia and Ukraine. This is answering the plea of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

If anyone is doing more solidarity and empty gestures. This is doing it and how it should be done. The Parliaments of the Baltic Republic’s asking for the No Fly Zone over Ukraine is change. That they are writing declarations or resolutions, which they will petition the United Nations. Says it all.

A CEPA article explains the importance and implementation of it:

UN member states could form a coalition willing to defend Ukraine’s airspace from attacks by the Russian aggressor. The readiness of countries representing different regions to secure the NFZ in Ukraine will shift attention from the United States and NATO to “global support and defense.”

How might this work?

  • Using Articles 5 and 6 of the UN Charter, Russia’s membership in the UN and, in particular, in the Security Council, should be suspended.
  • The UN Security Council could then approve the no-fly-zone according to Article 42 of the UN Charter.
  • In accordance with Article 47 of the UN Charter, a Military Staff Committee is established.
  • The newly created NFZ coalition is established, under Articles 45 and 49 of the UN Charter.
  • The NFZ is designed in a way that can ensure the protection of Ukraine’s airspace and avoid the escalation of military activities on the territory of other states.

There are various ways to implement a no-fly-zone, including the exclusion of hostile aircraft within a clearly defined area. The only operations on the ground would be to suppress enemy air defenses posing a threat to allied aircraft” (Olena Tregub – ‘The aerial umbrella sought by Ukraine doesn’t have to be imposed by NATO — the United Nations could also act’ 10.03.2022, CEPA).

So, there is possibilities to make it happen. However, we know that the leader of NATO Jens Stoltenberg has been hesitant and so has other major European Union (EU) nations. While the Baltic support is a game-changer. They are putting it in print and showing direct support of it. That is as official as it can get.

Estonia started, Latvia and Lithuania followed. This shows what solidarity and support is in war-time, as a nation is turned into a war-zone. Plenty of other nations has helped with arms, military defence systems, military vehicles and ammunition. However, this is directly what Ukraine has asked for.

If there ever was a signal and a beacon of hope. This is it. They are doing the right thing and in the hour of need. Someone could have said that they should have done it quicker. Nevertheless, they did it and now it should pile pressure on others to follow their example. Peace.

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: Putin talks like he didn’t order the war on Ukraine

I want to say with the utmost frankness: behind the hypocritical talks and today’s actions of the so-called collective West, there are hostile geopolitical goals. They do not need, they simply do not need a strong and sovereign Russia. They will not forgive us either our independent course, or the fact that we are defending our national interests” – President Vladimir Putin (16.03.2022).

It is really tragic that the man and the head of state, which ordered this war a GO AHEAD 21 days ago. Is continuing to blame the West for the war in Ukraine. When it’s his armies and allies of Belarus, which is invading the sovereign Ukraine. It is not the West that sent troops or decreed warfare. No, it is himself and even after three weeks of bloodshed and bloody conflict. The Russian President still uttered these words in a national broadcast. It is just saying something and it isn’t a beautiful picture, but a grim one.

He continued with this as well:

If Russian troops were operating only in the Donbass , this would not lead to the elimination of the threat, a new front line would lie there” (…) “I want to say this for the first time: at the very beginning of the special operation, in order to avoid bloodshed, the Kiev authorities were asked not to engage in hostilities, but simply to withdraw their troops from the Donbass. They didn’t want to. Well, this is their decision. real situation, on earth, will inevitably come” (…) “On March 14th, as you know, a rocket attack was carried out in the center of Donetsk . It was a frankly bloody terrorist attack that claimed the lives of more than 20 people. And such shelling has been going on for the past few days – they are hitting the squares indiscriminately, with fanaticism and frenzy of the doomed. It’s like fascists, who in the last days of the Third Reich tried to drag as many innocent victims as possible with them to the grave” (Putin, 16.03.2022).

Like any other warlord or tyrant out there. His blaming the victims of his actions. It is always the soldiers of the other camp that is the sinners and the ones of bad intentions. While his orders are pure and God like. The same can be said about Putin’s own stories these days. Where he will use rhetoric and words, which resembles that. Because, he needs to vilify and demean the ones his attacking. They have to be beneath him and crushed. That is the mere reality and under what sort of state of mind he has in concern to Ukraine.

President Putin is saying the Ukrainian forces is using bad tactics and doing war-crimes. While his troops are shelling cities, bombing urban areas and gone after public spaces for over three weeks. His forces has bombed hospitals, schools and universities. Heck, apartment buildings and whole parts of towns just to invade these. So, it is rich coming from the warlord ordering these sort of artillery attacks to complain about a possible rocket-attack. When his troops has stormed and created dire issues in and around nuclear power plants in Ukraine. It is like his oblivious to these facts and we are not supposed to know that. Aye?

He speaks of bloodshed. He invaded a sovereign and independent nation without merit. A nation which wasn’t attacking him or causing any harm to Kremlin. It was only his disturbed mind, which was inflicted damage. Some imaginary tales was damaging his calm and now another has to suffer the consequences.

It is hard to believe a man who planned the liberation of the Donbass Republics. Still tries to paint a picture of Ukrainians creating bloodshed there. When he for years has supported and armed insurgents of which was loyal to Russia. The same folks who had their leader in Kremlin ahead of the invasion of Ukraine.

This is why his stories doesn’t make sense to others than Putin. Peace.

Opinion: Orbán is Putin’s ally in Budapest

Central Europe is a chessboard for the great powers and Hungary is just a pawn. If we are not strong enough we’re sacrificed. We must stay out of this war, we can’t win anything but we can lose everything. We won’t send soldiers or weapons to Ukraine” – Prime Minister Viktor Orbán (15.03.2022).

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán spoke in Kossuth Square on the occasion of 15 March, in front of a large number of participants in the Fidesz march announced as the Peace March. So far, he has typically spoken in front of the National Museum as one of the programs of the state festivities. Now, however, he broke with this tradition not only by modifying the site, but also by not giving a historical overview before his political messages, by not remembering the revolution of 1848, and by speaking for a moment not from the position of prime minister, but from the position of party chairman all along” (Peter Magyari – ‘Orban declares total neutrality’ 15.03.2022, 444.hu).

When it comes to Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán. We know the Fidesz and Head of State is an ally or Pro-Putin. He might not serve the interests of Moscow or Kremlin directly. Nevertheless, it is not like his stopping or working against it either.

Now he tries to act neutral in concern with Ukraine. In my regard by doing so… his siding with Russia and Moscow. Since, he could help and do something. We know his not doing that. This is appease Putin and Kremlin, which his in favour of. He don’t mind that Putin is using war as a means to his end. That he wages war against a sovereign nation. No, he can do that, because it doesn’t concern him directly.

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality” (Desmond Tutu).

However, that where Orbán is wrong. He is silently siding with Putin by doing this. Instead of acting with concern or even aiding the oppressed. His silently proving his alliance with the oppressor. In this case, his siding with Putin and Russia, as it is invading Ukraine. What Orbán should ask himself, as his nation isn’t the strongest military or has the most resources in the world. Who would come its aide if some superpower came to invade it? Does it think Russia will save Budapest or Győr for that matter?

The Hungarian people should consider this as well. They are now heading to the polls, where they decide to either look East or continue to centre towards European integration. That is the decision of the voters.

We are clearly seeing with so many words that Orbán choses Putin over Ukraine. His loyalty is to Kremlin and he won’t help Kyiv. That is the lesson we are getting today. It is disgusting, as his aiding and helping the oppressor by not doing anything. That is the message I have seen and it’s sad.

However, not surprising… Orbán is a friend of Putin. He rather be an ally to a dictator, than helping out a nation who is fighting for their own sovereign interests. The rest of Europe should listen to this and know what he decided to do in the hour of need.

This is who Viktor Orbán is and who he associates himself with. A war doesn’t change it for him. An ally is an ally and he don’t mind what consequences it has. 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.

Opinion: The Z stands for Fascism

Definition of fascism

often capitalized: a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition” (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “fascism,” accessed March 13, 2022, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fascism).

Since the 22nd February 2022 when the pictures of Russian military vehicles and tanks where marked with the insignia “Z” on the border regions to Ukraine. As the Russian Federation and it’s army had for weeks prepared the invasion of Ukraine. A plan, which was already established in January 2022 and 17 days ago the Russian forces invaded it. Making the insignia famous and since then we have seen how it has become a symbol to support the war inside Russia.

We have seen pictures of national athletes wearing it on their shirts at international competitions and even Ice-Hockey teams forming it before the match starts. It has been put into videos and propaganda material, as a way of supporting the war.

The power of “Z” is here and it’s evident a way of pride of the Russians. A means to have sign and a symbol of this war. Some has speculated that it was a sign of Zelensky, the Ukrainian President. Others though it could be of “Operation Z”, as Putin himself doesn’t call it a war, but a “Special Military Operation”. Some has speculate that it’s “Z” for Victory or “Z” for the West. However, non of these as been verified.

What is striking is that the “Z” can now be defined as the sign of the modern fascism of the Russian Federation. As it extols everything else. It is the mark and the brutal injection into the Ukrainian territory. Where it bombs, destroys and tries to install puppets in every occupied territory. Therefore, the “Z” symbolizes the fascism that comes from the Kremlin and Moscow at this point.

No matter what was the purpose or the reason for the “Z”. For the whole wide world and most onlookers, it is a symbol of modern fascism. The way a fascist and a nationalist Russia is conquering with brutal force and genocidal attempts to make Ukraine surrender on their terms. That is what the “Z” resembles to the rest of the world.

For the ones supporting and defending the war. It might be their token and logo of choice. As we have seen propaganda videos and ultra-national groups using it. Heck, former spies and Russian TV-Personalities has used it too on their social media. It is obviously a sign of support and part of the war effort.

When you use tactics like this and supporting mechanisms like these. Who strikes into the nerve of nationalism and support of your troops. While also using it to nationalize and galvanize the ultra-nationalist. Expect the Russian Federation and Kremlin to apply all sort of means against the ones who speaks up against it. We should expect not only arrests of peaceful protesters, but anyone who doesn’t follow “party-line” and supporters the “Z”. That is the gist of it. Anyone can become a traitor and a target, as long as they suddenly are not participating or showing “love” to the “Z”.

That’s the bleak reality and shows what Putin has ushered in. All of his apparatus and the likes of Russia Today (RT) is selling merchandize with the “Z” too. The whole machinery is behind it. That is obvious. For the rest of the world. It is a sign of fascism and people should be aware. Since this is how Putin and Russia invaded Ukraine.

By coming in tanks and military vehicles signed with “Z”. That’s how it all began and 17 days later. We can say this a symbol of the fascism that Putin brings to the world. Peace.