Ukraine: Zelensky wants more targeted sanctions against Russia

This is a ruthless war against our nation, against our people, against our children. As of today, 143 children are known to have died. Mariupol remains blocked. Russian troops did not allow any humanitarian corridor to be organized today, they did not allow “silence”. Therefore, the situation must now be perceived in a balanced, wise way. As much as possible. Without excessive euphoria from success. But also without getting yourself worked up. We still need time. We still need weapons. We still have to fight, we have to be patient. We can’t burn emotions right now. We can’t set expectations too high. Just so as not to burn out” (Zelensky, 28.03.2022).

It has entered the 34th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defence has been able to stagnate and stop the Russian forces, which was supposed to enter Kyiv within days after the invasion on the 24th February 2022. The Russian Federation and the Kremlin power structure have been humbled by the resistance and the will of the Ukrainian people. They have also been targeted by a united Europe and Western power, which Russian President Vladimir Putin couldn’t foresee.

We know the European Union have made 4 packages of sanctions. There been reactions of Western companies suspending or stopping to invest in Russia. Everyone from VISA to Heineken has left Russia since the invasion. The Russian market have felt the move, but the Russians are still selling gas and oil to the EU, which is feeding the bottom-line and securing profits to the Russian state. Therefore, the totality of sanctions are still not crushing or depleting the Russian state. No, it is has only heart certain businesses and oligarchs.

That’s why Zelensky is right in saying this yesterday:

I will continue this activity tomorrow. I will talk to other world leaders. I will work with international organizations, with the nations of Europe and the world. Ukraine cannot and will not agree with the passive sanctions position of some entities towards Russia. There should be no “suspended” sanctions packages – that if the Russian troops do something, then there will be some answer… We went through this story last year when we said that strong preventive sanctions against Russia were needed to prevent an invasion. The preventive package was not made. A full-scale war has begun. There are now many hints and warnings that sanctions will be tightened, such as an embargo on Russian oil supplies to Europe, if Russia uses chemical weapons. There are simply no words. Just think about what it all came down to. Waiting for chemical weapons… We, living people, have to wait… Doesn’t everything that the Russian military is doing and has already done deserve an oil embargo? Don’t phosphorus bombs deserve that? Don’t the shelled chemical production or nuclear power plant deserve that? It is important for us that the sanctions packages are effective and substantial enough, given what is already being done against Ukraine by the Russian Federation. If the sanctions packages are weak or do not work enough, if they can be circumvented, it creates a dangerous illusion for the Russian leadership that they can continue to afford what they are doing now. And Ukrainians pay for it with their lives. Thousands of lives. Therefore, starting this week, we are creating a group of experts at the President’s Office – Ukrainian and international, who will constantly analyze the sanctions against Russia – what they really influence. Our goal is for the sanctions to work as intended. And so that there is no possibility to circumvent them. This must be a goal for the whole democratic world, without exception. No exception” – President Volodymyr Zelensky – “We have to fight, we can’t burn emotions so as not to burn out” (28.03.2022).

The European Union, United States and all their allies should reconsider their approach. As some of their sanctions are biting. That’s why the Russian high ranking officials and spokespersons has spoken ill of the sanctions. They have even said it will cause “doom and gloom” over Europe. However, the ramification will also hurt Russia directly and the citizens itself. Therefore, it is not like this is only hitting the Kremlin and associates of Vladimir Putin. Yes, the oligarchs and the rich allies have lost homes, yachts and such. However, it would be more damaging if they totally blocked SWIFT and stopped buying gas. The West would damage the economy, if they stopped importing Russian produced products and similar items. That because that would damage the industries and the amount of investment power the state would have.

The Kremlin and Russia would be shocked, if the EU and the West suddenly blocked exports from Russia to them. That means the Russian producers would have to find other markets and other ways of earning profits. To realigned their economy would take time and wouldn’t be easy overnight. This is what they could do to hit the pockets and ensure the break-down of the economy. The freezing of assets and state reserves has damaged the economy. The fiscal re-assurance isn’t there. Though the buying of gas and oil is keeping it afloat.

That is why the EU and the West needs to consider to do more and target it even better. Just like Zelensky said. This they should do in solidarity to the people of Ukraine and for a justified cause of territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state. Peace.

Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24:00 28 March 2022 (29.03.2022)

Russia: Zakharova spells doom and gloom over the West because of the sanctions…

The results of a European Council meeting, held jointly with the US leadership, confirmed once again that the collective West needs Ukraine which is fully under the control of Washington and is gripped by Russophobia only as a geopolitical battering ram against Russia” (…) “While declaring the readiness for new anti-Russian restrictions, Brussels forgets to add that their approval will be advantageous only for the US, that gains on the outflow of capitals from the EU, on an increase in supplies to the European markets of their arms and liquefied natural gas at jaw-dropping prices” (…) “Through their actions, officials in Brussels are in fact undermining the economy of European Union countries” (…) “They doom rank-and-file Europeans to the demolition of a socially oriented economic model, to life in conditions of exorbitant prices for electricity and fuel, cuts in social payments in favor of military budgets, galloping inflation and mass unemployment” – Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova (28.03.2022).

The ironies of this uttering is ridiculous … as the sanctions are hitting the Russian financial market and the possibility for trading with the West and the United States of America. That the Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Zakharova is doing this to spread fear. Like the sanctions are supposed to backfire and the European Union (EU) isn’t considering the implications, the prices and possible inflation.

Zakharova can say these things… but Europeans know they will pay a price over the sanctions. Many are prepared for it and also know it is coming. Everyone can see it from a mile away. It is inevitable, as the sanctions and the lack of gas to the market. The prices will become higher and the EU Member States has to subsidize and find other solutions to fill in the gap. This is why we know it isn’t an overnight solution or find a measure that can solve the energy crisis this has created.

However, it isn’t doom and gloom yet. The EU and the Member States are finding new measures and means to an end. It isn’t like they want to be addicted to the Russian oil and gas anymore. They know the consequences of buying it and feeding the Russian state with this foreign currency. It makes the Russian state able to fight illegal wars like the one in Ukraine.

Zakharova acts like the EU and NATO isn’t amping up the Military Budgets in reference to the war itself in Ukraine. That is connected to the war and as a reaction to the invasion of Ukraine. This is all inter-connected… and it is not like coincidence that the EU nations does it now. They are seeing the bombing, destruction and the war that Russia is willing to do. Therefore, the nations are in association and seeing the need to address it with higher military budgets. Because, they fear that Russia might find reasons to target others…

So, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs better find arguments that can be validated. Nevertheless, I don’t expect it….

Zakharova thinks the Europeans will believe the propaganda and Kremlin messaging. Well, I hate to break it too you, but we won’t. That is not happening. This is empty words with no flair or finesse. It is just like the spokeswoman doesn’t think EU and U.S. can prepare or consider the implications of what they are doing. Like they are foolish with no mechanisms or even studying the sort of backlash a sanction package could have on themselves. It is just like no one else thinks… but Putin and the mighty Kremlin.

I beg to differ, but that is maybe just me. Zakharova is trying to spread fear… with doom and gloom. I am awaiting Armageddon and the sky is supposed to fall on our heads. Until that happens, I am sure Europeans can pay more for gas and electricity. While Russians can have empty supermarkets and try to get substitutions of Western products and the quick tanking of local economy, as a real consequence of the invasion of Ukraine. Peace.

Ukraine: Ministry of Defence – Operational Information on 06:00, 26.03.2022 regarding the russian invasion (26.03.2022)

Ukraine: Zelensky’s stern words to Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán [and Europe will remember the ‘neutrality’ of Budapest in favour of Moscow]

Hungary… I want to stop here and be honest. Once and for all. You have to decide for yourself who you are with. You are a sovereign state. I’ve been to Budapest. I adore your city. I have been many times – very beautiful, very hospitable city. And people, too. You have had tragic moments in your life. I visited your waterfront. I saw this memorial… Shoes on the Danube Bank. About mass killings. I was there with my family. Listen, Viktor, do you know what’s going on in Mariupol? Please, if you can, go to your waterfront. Look at those shoes. And you will see how mass killings can happen again in today’s world. And that’s what Russia is doing today. The same shoes. In Mariupol, there are the same people. Adults and children. Grandparents. And there are thousands of them. And these thousands are gone. And you hesitate whether to impose sanctions or not? And you hesitate whether to let weapons through or not? And you hesitate whether to trade with Russia or not? There is no time to hesitate. It’s time to decide already. We believe in you. We need your support. We believe in your people” – President Volodymyr Zelensky speech to European Council (25.03.2022).

We know that Hungary and ruling government Fidesz are closely associated with Kremlin over the years. After the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine the Hungarian government have tried to distance itself and not really do anything substantial in concern to the war.

It is well known that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other high ranking officials are friendly with Kremlin. They have been like that for years and clearly have no plans to change that relationship over a war in Ukraine. This is visible for everyone and it’s obvious.

It has been reported that the Hungarian government would veto stopping buying Russian gas and import of oil. The Hungarian government rather prefer being a trading partner with Russia, than sanctioning them. Neither is there any will in Budapest to stop buying Russian products. This shows that there is no solidarity or concern over the invasion of Ukraine.

The statements of Orbán of late is talking of independence and not being sacrificed on a chess-board of Central Europe. While he spoke of being neutral, but in a war and conflict like this… your neutrality is siding with one or the other. Especially, when your trading with one and not helping the other. With that in mind, Fidesz and Orbán has picked Moscow over Kyiv. That is evident and there is no other way to look at it.

The invasion happened a month ago. The war is having horrific results, which will have affect on Hungary like the rest of Europe. The refugee crisis, the inflation and other measures that will create a reaction in the European Union and elsewhere. That is all natural, as all nations who sanctions and stops trading with Russia will ensure less gas and energy. Which in the end make higher prices, unless others catches up on the shortfall of exports to the European common market.

The Hungarian government don’t want to participate in that and neither recognize the need of showing solidarity and be part of a European support of Ukrainian state in the middle of war.

It doesn’t get better when a neighbour reacts like this to the “neutrality” of Budapest:

Czech Defense Minister Jana Chernohova refuses to go to Budapest for Visegrad Four ministerial meeting. “I have always supported V4 and I am very sorry that cheap Russian oil is more important for Hungarian politicians than Ukrainian blood,”–she tweeted” (Euromaidan Press, 26.03.2022).

It really says something and the possible ramifications of shutting the close of Kyiv in the time of need. Because, everyone else know the European nations are only strong when they are united. As long as one defies or back downs on their own.

Orbán might think he can carry this all on his own. However, if a power like Russia comes knocking on their door. People will remember that you decided to be alone and not stand by the weak partner. Fidesz and Budapest could have supported Kyiv but decided to not to. That will have consequences and people will remember this…

Europe will remember this. Zelensky is only voicing what the rest of Europe will remember and it’s not a good look. Looking like the lap-dog and loyal tin-soldier of Kremlin while Ukraine is burning. That is not good publicity, but that is mere reality of what is going on today. Peace.

Opinion: Putin is crying out loud for Dostoevsky, but claimed Ukraine had no statehood..

Today they are trying to cancel an entire thousand-year-old country, our people. I’m talking about the progressive discrimination of everything connected with Russia … about this trend that is unfolding in a number of Western states and with the full connivance and sometimes encouragement of the ruling elites. The notorious culture of cancellation has turned in the abolition of culture” – President Vladimir Putin (25.03.2022).

As a warlord and a tyrant, Russian President Putin should be more consistent. When he ordered the war on Ukraine he was quick and brief to say that Ukrainian nation had no history or nationhood. Which is so not true, as the Ukrainian nation is an ancient one and is older than the Russian one. The USSR didn’t’ create Ukraine like Putin claimed, but he dismissed their hundreds of years of history.

So, hearing that the he speaks of the value of Russian culture and the “cancelling” of it in the West. Is just showing how he thinks Russian is imperial and is the centre of gravity. That is not shocking or surprising. Europeans know the Russian literature and cultural pieces has had impact. The stories, the books and whatnot is a part of our shared history.

That some theatres are cancelling certain plays, shows and dances is only coming as an reaction to the illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is the cultural elite, the owners of the cultural institutions and such announcing their distress and sympathy with Kyiv. Instead of doing and showing Russian cultural on their stages.

Many people know, they saw how a street artist recently painted on the house a portrait of the Russian writer Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, now accused and accused in the West. This gives hope that through the mutual sympathy of people, through a culture that connects and unites, the truth will make its way” (Putin, 25.03.2022).

Yes, certain festivals and other festivities this year has cancelled or ceased the Russian films and other art to be a part of it. That’s because the sentiments of non-support and boycott in direction to the war and invasion of Ukraine. It comes as the cultural organization make separate decisions on their own.

We know the Russian media and High Ranking Official are claiming it’s all Russphobia at the moment. However, like any action has a chain-reaction. People decide their own and take a distance from things they deem as wrong. The things associating with that tends to be deemed unfit and that’s why lot of things is happening.

Putin should look into his own statement about the culture and history of Ukraine. Because, he dismissed it and proves that he only see Moscow, but don’t see Kyiv. That’s why hearing this now after a war lasting a month. Is very distasteful.

Yes, at the very moment things are cancelled, but the classics and the literature, which is part of European history will return. When the war is over and the peace has been created. Certain things will return and be visible again. Right now it is just reminding people of the war and the aggressor. That’s why people are stopping and not supporting Russian arts or culture. Because, they want to boycott and show sympathy with Ukraine.

We know that Putin has no sympathy or cares that no mind. He believes in Russian supremacy and that’s why he cannot phantom the boycotts. However, if he had long term plans or thoughts. He would know that these things will return eventually when the pains and suffering of war is over. Peace.

Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24.00 23 March 2022 (24.03.2022)

Ukraine: Joint Statement by President von der Leyen and Prime Minister Trudeau (23.03.2022)

Ukraine: Let’s hope President Zelensky’s message to NATO doesn’t fall on deaf ears

Ukraine never wanted this war. And does not want to fight for years. We just want to save our people. We want to survive! Just survive! Like any nation, we have the right to it. The right to life. The right to this one percent.” – President Volodymyr Zelensky (24.03.2022).

Today Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which is important as the war is continuing and the defence of the nation is still at stake. Ukraine need support and help from the outside to be able to stagnate the invasion of the Russian-Belorussian on their territory. We know the war has been brutal and horrific. The amounts of refugees and the numbers of fatalities is rising on both sides.

The verified numbers from Ukraine and Russia is showing how good the Ukrainian forces has defended their land. The Ukrainian forces has not only killed more soldiers than the Russian army lost in the 20 year war in Afghanistan. So, we know the Ukrainian forces has fought bravely for their territory and sovereign nation. Therefore, Ukraine should get not only recognition, but also massive support to ensure that it contain and stop the Russian from entering even more.

This is why Zelensky started with today:

I am addressing you from Kyiv, our capital, which has been fighting for a month already, just as our entire state. Yes, it is true – we are not in the Alliance. Not in the most powerful defense union in the world. Not one of the 30 states under the umbrella of joint protection. Under the umbrella of Article 5. It feels like we are in the “gray zone”. Between the West and Russia. But we defend all our common values. And we are bright people! And we have been defending all these values for a month now! A month of heroic resistance. A month of the darkest suffering. A month of unpunished destruction of the peaceful state, and with it – the whole architecture of global security. All this is before the eyes of the whole world. Over the decades, Russia has accumulated considerable resources, military resources, manpower and equipment, air bombs, missiles” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

His proving real resilience and what they can do. Zelensky proves how good the Ukrainian defence has been. That they could be able to defend and stop Russian defence from a total surrender for a month. Which the Russian forces thought it would have done within days and not continue to fight on the same front-lines still to do this day. So, Ukraine has shown real force and that they not to mess with.

He continues:

The very first hours of the invasion meant brutal missile strikes for us. During the month of the war, Russia fired more than a thousand different missiles at our cities. Made hundreds of air raids. On February 24, I addressed you with a perfectly clear, logical request to help close our skies. In any format. Protect our people from Russian bombs and missiles. We did not hear a clear answer. Ukraine does not have powerful anti-missile weapons, and has a much smaller aircraft fleet than Russia. Therefore, their advantage in the sky is like the use of weapons of mass destruction. And you see the consequences today – how many people were killed, how many peaceful cities were destroyed” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

This is a serious plea, as the NATO and EU have decided not to stop or make it possible for a “No-Fly-Zone” over Ukraine. As they are doing this… they are making it possible for Russia to air-raid and bomb the territory without any interruption. So, he is speaking of this and it all makes sense that he wants that. Because, than his arsenal and defence would be more beneficial. It would also stop the destruction and damages, which is happening on a large scale.

He has further asked for more military aid:

Ukraine asked for your planes. So that we do not lose so many people. And you have thousands of fighter jets! But we haven’t been given any yet. We asked for tanks. So that we can unblock our cities that are now dying – Mariupol, Berdyansk, Melitopol, others. Cities where Russia is keeping hundreds of thousands of people hostage and artificially creating famine – no water, no food, nothing there. You have at least 20,000 tanks! Ukraine asked for a percent, one percent of all your tanks to be given or sold to us! But we do not have a clear answer yet… The worst thing during the war is not having clear answers to requests for help” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

We know that Poland pledged to give their MIG-29 Jets to Ukraine, but the United States of America through NATO blocked this during this month. So, we know that the NATO has the fighter-jets and an offer on the line, but cowardly blocked it. Therefore, Zelensky is right to ask for it and plea for it again to boost his defence. He only wants to be as strong as possible.

We know that things are turning bad… and not becoming any better. The war-zone and blocking from the world is very clear. The reports from the invaded territory and Russian zones are dire. So, the Ukrainian President is just stating serious fact. The request for tanks just shows how cautious the West, NATO and everyone around Ukraine have been. As they have only given tokens, smaller-arms and ammunition. The military equipment has been important for the defence of Ukraine. So, the asking of tanks is only needed, because of the superior amount of tanks the Russians has. They have so much more than Ukraine ever had and this an advantage.

He continues:

Yes, we are not in the Alliance. And I do not make these claims. But Ukrainians never thought that the Alliance and the Allies were different. That in matters of life and death you can be a force separately, but together – no. That NATO may be afraid of Russia’s actions. I am sure you already understand that Russia does not intend to stop in Ukraine. Does not intend and will not. It wants to go further. Against the eastern members of NATO. The Baltic states, Poland – that’s for sure. Will NATO then stop thinking about it, worrying about how Russia will react? Who can be sure of that? And do you have confidence that Article 5 can work? “Budapest” hasn’t worked for us already. Our Budapest Memorandum. Has not worked for peace in Ukraine. And I will tell you honestly – today Budapest is not working for peace in Ukraine as well. Yes, we receive help from individual members of the Alliance. I am very grateful. Ukrainians are sincerely grateful for this. To each of you who gives what you have, supporting us” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

What Zelensky says here is a warning and in recent days the Russians has shown possibility of continuing further than Ukraine with this war. As they have had texts or letters like Dmitry Medvedev “On Poland” and RIA published a text on Poland calling them “Hyaenas of the West”. So, we know the Russians are gearing up and it’s happening also on Russian TV as well. Therefore, the warning to NATO makes sense. Yes, the NATO has boosted the Eastern Flank, but if they think that is enough… they are wrong and they could deterrent it properly by bosting Ukraine right now. Instead of awaiting the war on their soil.

He ended the speech with:

You can give us one percent of all your aircraft. One percent of all your tanks. One percent! We can’t just buy it. Such a supply directly depends only on NATO’s decisions, on political decisions, by the way. MLRS systems. Anti-ship weapons. Means of air defense. Is it possible to survive such a war without it? So when it’s finally available, it will give us and you as well, one hundred percent security. And we need one. And the only thing I demand from you… After such a month of war. This is a request for the sake of our military. After such a war against Russia … Never, please, never tell us again that our army does not meet NATO standards. We have shown what our standards are capable of. And how much we can give to the common security in Europe and the world. How much we can do to protect against aggression against everything we value, everything you value. But NATO has yet to show what the Alliance can do to save people. To show that this is truly the most powerful defense union in the world. And the world is waiting. And Ukraine is very much waiting. Waiting for real actions. Real security guarantees. From those whose word is trustworthy. And whose actions can keep the peace. Truly. All offers are on the table. Our needs are on the table. We need peace immediately. The answers are up to you” (Zelensky, 24.03.2022).

He is asking for support and proper ones. What he has gotten is the smaller military equipment and some abilities to defend itself. However, if the NATO and the Western Allies want Ukraine to properly defend itself. They need to do more and some parts of the NATO has offered them, but been blocked. There are signs of wind of change and the releases of the brutality in Ukraine should open up people’s eyes. As the Russians don’t care if they are blowing up the whole republic into smithereens. That’s why it’s needed to listen to Zelensky and the needs of the Ukrainian people. They need more than solidarity and small tokens, which has been the main provision for now. This because the NATO and their allies have been cautions, but not taken into consideration of what could come at a later stage. Peace.

Ukraine: Ministry of Defence – Operational Information on 06:00, 23.03.2022 regarding the russian invasion (23.03.2022)