Ukraine: Russia will target all convoys entering into Ukraine

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on security guarantees that Russia had sent to the US and NATO before Russian forces entered Ukraine last month were no longer valid as the situation had now changed completely”– Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov (12.03.2022).

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

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

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

It also states:

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

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

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

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

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

Ukraine: G7 Leaders’ Statement (11.03.2022)

Ukraine: Putin says Ukraine prepared to attack Belarus [and Russia can survive sanctions like the USSR]

If they hadn’t done this (a special operation in Ukraine. – Ed.) a day before, believe me, in a few days we would have drunk all this cup with huge losses. They were not only preparing to strike at the Donbass – they built positions for strike on Belarus” (RIA Novosti – ‘Putin announced positive developments in negotiations with Ukraine’ 11.03.2022).

On the 16th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of the Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin had a visit of Belarus President Alexander Lukaschenko. Where these quotes has been released to Russian media, as way of narrating a story and selling the reasons for the war. Alas, the “special operation” which is a modified conflict and making it seem less severe.

However, we do know what is happening, the reports of casualties, deaths and harm, which is inflicted on Ukraine is vast. While Putin make it seem all reasonable, which is it not. He now makes a story where the Ukrainian army was supposed to attack Belarus now. After 16 days of invasion. That just shows what he is willing to do and further his agenda here. There is no where he will go and we knew the Russian armies had stationed battalions and where ready for war inside Belarus in the weeks before. Therefore, the Russian President is out of line saying this, but it just follows a pattern of making up excuses and reasons for using their means to invade Ukraine.

Later in the talks with President Lukaschenko he talks of the sanctions, which he has described like this:

The USSR really lived under the conditions of sanctions, developed and achieved tremendous success. <…> Even after 1990, sanctions against Russia were preserved and then moved into new and modern times from the time of the Soviet Union” (RIA Novosti – ‘Putin announced positive developments in negotiations with Ukraine’ 11.03.2022).

The Soviet and the USSR is very important to Putin. That’s why the sphere of the USSR is vital for his interests and power. He needs to galvanize that period and install that in the memory of the current civilians. As he wants to extol that and exhilarate that at an amp speed. Where the Russian Federation is trying to take the former Republic’s under the wings.

Putin is clearly just making smoke and mirrors. All sorts of excuses for it. As Belarus has supported the war from the beginning and made it possible to attack Ukraine from a broader spectrum than just the bordering regions of Russia. Alas, Putin knows this very well, but needs to vilify Ukraine, which he does as much as he can.

Nobody should be surprised, he uses all means, panic and propaganda to defend his reasons to invade. He will fight his inner demons and ghosts of the past, which is the reason for it happening in the first place. Ukraine is the victim, because the Russian President wants more power and have real influence in Kyiv. Something that has withered with time. Now in 2022 he needs excuses to execute it and making up stuff to legitimizing furthering Belorussian participation in it. Peace.

Ukraine: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – Rebeca Grynspan – On the Situatino in Ukraine (11.03.2022)

Ukraine: President Zelensky’s important message on Day 16 of the invasion

We have already reached a strategic turning point. We are already moving towards our goal, our victory” (…) We need time, patience, our wisdom, energy, we need to do our job to the best of our abilities” (…) “Ukrainians are proud people who always defend their land, and will not give the occupier a single piece of this land, not a single percent of their freedom” (…) “If this continues, then sanctions packages against Russia are not enough, and I expect — we are already working on this today — new sanctions from our partners” (…) “Russia must pay for this terrible war, pay daily” (…) “A humanitarian catastrophe are two words that have become fully synonymous with the other two words, the Russian Federation” – Presidenet Volodymyr Zelensky (The Kyiv Independent, 11.03.2022).

Today is the 16th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky is speaking of what is happening and he will of Ukraine. The Ukrainian President is showing the world and being the voice of the Republic, which is defending itself heroically. They are able to stop and block the advances of the Russian forces.

However, in a war there isn’t only the destruction and devastating ramification hitting the font-lines and the battlegrounds. No, these are coming home and places of security becomes scarce. There is clear evidence of civilian casualties and people being harmed. Public buildings being bombed, schools, universities, museums and kindergartens even. No, place is safe from the missiles, bombs and artillery fire towards the towns and cities of Ukraine. The Russian forces don’t mind the damage and suffering, as it is done to an enemy.

The UN States this very clearly today…

We remain gravely concerned by the rising death toll and human suffering in Ukraine and call for an immediate end to the attacks. We have so far recorded 549 civilian deaths and 957 injuries since the armed attack began on 24 February, although the actual figure could be much higher. Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas. These include missiles, heavy artillery shells and rockets, as well as airstrikes. Schools, hospitals, and kindergartens have been hit – with hugely devastating consequences. On 3 March, 47 civilians were killed when Russian airstrikes hit two schools and several apartment blocks in Chernihiv. On 9 March, a Russian airstrike hit Mariupol Hospital No.3 injuring at least 17 civilians. We are still investigating reports that at least three civilians may have been killed in the airstrike. We spoke to different sources in Mariupol, including local authorities, indicating consistently that the hospital was both clearly identifiable and operational when it was hit” (UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – ‘Press briefing notes on Ukraine, 11 March 2022’ 11.03.2022).

The words of President Zelensky is powerful and inspirational. It is in the midst of need. That he asks the world to punish the ones who make his nation suffer. This is easy to grasp and understand, as his Republic is battling the Russians and their armed forces. They are bombing from the sky and attacking them on several fronts. The damage, the pain and suffering is happening on continuing basis. There is no stop of plights and heartache.

The Ukrainian are getting assaulted and facing the worst sort of brutality, as citizens are fleeing and others are behind to defend the Republic. The invader is here and they have no heart. They are only in it to get the Ukrainians to surrender and take over Kyiv. That’s what Putin and Kremlin is up too now.

Zelensky is right: “Russia must pay for this terrible war”. Not only the ammunition, the loss of lives and the current sanctions, but they need to feel the pinch and consequences of putting Ukraine in this here place. It shouldn’t get over with without a price and cost. The Russians has to pay a price and it should ensure the stagnation and ability to wage war ever again. That is a righteous cause, since Putin was willing to do this. The Republic he runs should be touched and it is. Not only symbolic, but in such a manner that the Kremlin wouldn’t dare to do this again. Peace.

Ukraine: UNICEF, Global Nutrition Cluster & IFE Core Group – Joint Statement – Protecting Maternal and Child Nutrition in the Ukraine Conflict and Refugee Crisis (10.03.2022)

Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24.00 9 March 2022 (10.03.2022)

Ukraine: Lavrov is proving the talks was a waste, as the results was prefixed before meeting in Antalya

We are not planning to attack other countries. We didn’t attack Ukraine in the first place” – Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov (10.03.2022)

Today is the 14th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. The talks in Antalya is done on good faith by the Turkish diplomatic community. However, it is totally pointless. As Russian Foreign Minister is powerless and cannot stop President Vladimir Putin’s plan to annex and install a puppet government in Kyiv. That is what the government of Moscow wants and their brief war hasn’t succeeded.

They are the ones that wants to get rid of the current President Voldomyr Zelensky and the others in-charge in Kyiv. Since they are wanting to have the former President who fled to exile and is currently in Belarus in-charge. Therefore, there is no reason to discuss or try. The Ukrainian delegation is doing this to prove there is a will, but they are not backing down on their rights of sovereignty and territorial integrity, which Putin and Russia doesn’t even value. It is just another district or piece of land, which is supposed to be enslaved to the will of Moscow.

That’s why Kuleba is right here:

Russia is not in a position at this point to establish a ceasefire. They seek a surrender from Ukraine. This is not what they’re going to get. Ukraine is strong, Ukraine is fighting. Ukraine made Russia’s initial plans fail. We are seeking a diplomatic solution to this war. But we will not surrender” – Minister of Foreign Affaris Dmytro Kuleba (10.03.2022).

This is the same truth as when Putin said it. He even stated the Ukrainian doesn’t even have a history or statehood. Putin doesn’t value Ukraine and that’s why he wanted them to surrender. He though the public wanted to become Russian overnight and that the majority of the people of Ukraine wanted that as well. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The warfare and conflict… will only ensure the Ukrainian will get stronger and their hatred for Putin and Russia will only get stronger. Kremlin and Moscow cannot see what it’s doing wrong. As they are just trying to force itself. Either by total destruction or by genocide. The Russian armies and allies are willing to bring cities to the ground.

Just to further the insult. Lavrov said his about the bombing of a children hospital in Mariupol yesterday: “It is not the first time we see pathetic outcries concerning so-called atrocities” (Lavrov, 10.03.2022).

He extended it also saying the Azov battalion was supposed to be stationed in the hospital. That’s how they lie and defend their atrocities. It is like nothing and just like this is “special military operation” and not a “war”. Just further their aims and objectives to nullify any transgressions or crimes against humanity. The suffering and plights of Ukrainians doesn’t matter, because it is just part of the plan to conquer Kyiv and takeover the territory.

However, their short blitzkrieg haven’t succeeded. They we’re supposed to have taken majority of the territory now. Nevertheless, the ability to defend and outsmart the Russians have been apparent. Secondly, the tactics and the strategy of the Russians haven’t been up to scratch either. That’s why the Ukrainian army can use vehicles, military equipment and ammunition, which they took from the Russians. Therefore, the Ukrainian army has been replenished with needed tanks and equipment thanks to the invader. That is really showing how lacking and bad planning the Russians had with this. Even when they were stationed at the borders for weeks before invading. Peace.

Ukraine: U.S. blocks the transfer of Polish MIG-29 Jets to defend Ukraine

We are now in contact with the Polish government following the statement issued today. As we have said, the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government. We will continue consulting with our Allies and partners about our ongoing security assistance to Ukraine, because, in fact, Poland’s proposal shows just some of the complexities this issue presents. The prospect of fighter jets “at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America” departing from a U.S./NATO base in Germany to fly into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance. It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it. We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one” (U.S. Department of Defence – ‘Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby on Security Assistance to Ukraine’ 08.03.2022).

It seems like Warsaw and Washington D.C. isn’t on accord on how to negotiate or transfer the needed fighter jets to boost the Ukrainian self-defence against the Russian invasion. As the Ukrainian government, President and army has asked for a “no-fly-zone” which isn’t happening. Now, within hours and during the same day as the Polish announces the possibility of transferring MIG-29 Jets to Ukraine. Pentagon is calling it “not a tenable one”.

It shows that U.S. isn’t that interested or invested into helping the Ukrainian army. Neither are they are willing to risk anything. It is just a waiting game for the U.S. at this point. They are not that billed up or spending on it. The U.S. is only giving surplus stock and donations to cover up the negligence of it all. While they hope other parties can come to the direct aide of Kyiv.

This is showing that Blinken and Biden isn’t all that serious about it. They can let bygones by bygones. It isn’t hurting Wall Street or an avenue near you. So, why bother risking anything and anybody. While the cities and zones near the invasion forces of Russian-Belorussian forces are bombed, war-torn and destroyed on a daily basis. Who minds the death and destruction from the air, as long as the deaths and destruction is happening thousands of miles away. That’s how this seems.

As the EU Member State and NATO ally, Poland was willing to give up its air-fleet of fighter jets to boost the Ukrainian self-defence. The U.S. and NATO is cowering away. In stead of showing up in the hour of need. As it doesn’t mind or worried about the “no-fly-zone” and can’t even stomach the possibility of flying into and support directly the war.

Instead of the planes, the U.S. offers this:

Pentagon will deploy two Patriot missile defense batteries to Poland, U.S. military says in statement tonight. They include not only the missiles, but powerful radar designed to spot incoming fire. As of Tuesday, Russia has launched 670~ missiles at Ukraine since invading” (Ponder It, 09.03.2022).

So, the ones taking U.S. serious and as a possible ally to Kyiv it is hard to take it serious. Poland was willing to give away all of their current air-force to boost Ukraine. In the middle of a war and give them power in the air. However, Pentagon is blocking that move and it’s really tragic. Instead of serving the needs of the defending nation. It is giving it minor military equipment, which yes will help, but not anywhere near what Poland was willing to do yesterday.

Zelensky and Ukrainian people are allowed to be infuriated at this. As their nation is bombed and the West is clearly not taking that seriously. Peace.

Opinion: The Russian economy is tanking when the pension fund is used to save Russian companies

Putin signed a law allowing the placement of NWF funds in shares of Russian companies and government securities” (RIA Novosti, 09.03.2022).

What is the National Wealth Fund:

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is a part of federal budget assets. NWF is dedicated to support pension system of the Russian Federation to guarantee long-term sound functioning of the system. Fund’s primer assignments are to co-finance voluntary pension savings of Russian citizens and to balance budget of Pension Fund of the Russian Federation” (NWF – About).

Things are not looking good financially in Moscow or in the Russian Federation. As the Russian invasion of Ukraine is costing the Russian a fortune. They are losing contracts, businesses and ability to trade like never before. Foreign companies are stopping to trade or even do business in Russia. Everything from importing vehicles to having a latte at Starbucks. All sort of European and Multi-National Corporations are stopping. They cannot even listen to Spotify anymore. That’s how things have moved.

This is taken to such an extent that the financial inclusion with the rest of the world is gone within 14 days. It took only two weeks from the Western corporation to see the light and bail out. They are ensuring the Russians doesn’t have the liquidity or equity, heck even the ability to transfer funds to cover the basics. The rouble is devalued and the rating of government bonds is also failing.

So, things are grim when the Russian Federation is blocking the ability to take currency across the border. Neither is the SWIFT working in various of banks. The U.S. is planning to stop the imports of oil. While there is still in the works to stop gas from being exported to Europe. If that all succeed the Russian will have less or lack foreign exchange. The dollarization of the economy is just gone. The Petrodollars and whatnot just vanished.

Yes, the Russians are connecting to the MIR System instead of VISA/Mastercard/American Express, but that is only by default and not because the Russians wants to. Yes, the Eurasia enterprise between Russian and China is good for business there. However, it will not be accessible in the West. This will only be with the few partners of Russia, which is a few former USSR republics and China. Not a giant market or a way of patching the obvious hurt.

You know things are bad when the President has to order the spending of the pension funds to salvage the Russian corporations. That shows there is severe problems and crippling financial structure only after a two weeks. This is really costing the companies and the state. As the NWF hav to cover the sudden lack of cash flow and keep things a float.

I am sure not all people will cry over the loss of Coca-Cola or McDonalds. However, it is a sign of the times ahead. The Russian economy isn’t boosted or been prepared for the severity of sanctions this time around. If they were.. the NWF wouldn’t be accessible as a form of covering over the lack of funding and saving companies. It is not done in good will, but of necessity. You don’t spend the collected pensions of your citizens on failing corporations for fun, but because you have too.

This is showing what sort of consequences the war has on the markets. As they are failing and now the state has to bail it out. That is a financial crisis and you have resorted to these means, if you didn’t have too. Peace.