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.

Opinion: Biden you need to reign in Harris

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

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

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

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

She did another gaffe as well:

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

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

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

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

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

Ukraine: President Zelensky’s important speech on the 17th Day of the Russian invasion

Dear Ukrainians!

Our heroes!

The world has always loved those who fight against evil.

It was our resistance, the courage of all our people that inspired the world. Millions of people in different countries. Who 17 days ago might not have felt what they all have in common. We all have. And now it’s obvious. Peace. Freedom. And love for our children. The children we are fighting for. For them to have a future” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

On the 17th Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky releases a powerful speech. Where he address key things after over 2 weeks of fighting the Russian and Belorussian armies. As well, as other allies of the Russian who has participated on their side of the war. What he was saying today was significant and therefore needs to be addressed. It has to be spread and show the courage of the Ukrainians who are battling a superior power on their homeland.

He starts with:

The 17th day of the war is over. War for the right to be free. For the right to live on our land the way we, Ukrainians, want it. Not the way someone came up with for us. And against us. Against our nature. Against our character. The Russian invaders cannot conquer us. They do not have such strength. They do not have such spirit. They are holding only on violence. Only on terror. Only on weapons, which they have a lot. But the invaders have no natural basis for normal life. So that people can feel happy and dream. They are organically incapable of making life normal! Wherever Russia has come to a foreign land, dreams are impossible. Only a very hard struggle for survival. As a result of the attack on our land, on Ukraine, the Russian leadership is actually turning its state into an analogue of the so-called “DPR” and “LPR”. Into a large area isolated from the rest of the world. Where poverty will reign. Where everything will be determined only by violence. And where people will flee. In any manner they can and whoever can” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

This is the words of a man in the midsts of war saying this. As knows what is going on and the bravery of his soldiers and nation. They are striving to keep it up and using all means on the battlefield. While telling what will happen if they fall. How the Russian will not be merciful or give any incentive for a hostile takeover. It will only become a vassal state and annex territory under the bondage of Moscow. That’s why the fight for survival and for independence is so important.

He speaks of the betrayal in the city of Kherson:

The invaders in the Kherson region are trying to repeat the notorious experience of the formation of pseudo-republics. Blackmail local leaders, put pressure on deputies. Look for someone to bribe. They’re trying to organize the so-called “KPR”. Stillborn as “DPR” and “LPR”. To organize some “committees” against the legitimate government on our land. And against the will of the people who go out to protest every day. And who want Ukraine. I am grateful to them. I want to tell some figures who lacked the disgust to refuse to talk to the invaders… I want to say – if some of them were suddenly tempted by proposals from the invaders… You sign your sentence. The sentence is to follow more than 12,000 invaders who failed to understand in time why Ukraine should not be encroached upon. An emergency meeting of the Kherson Regional Council took place. 44 deputies decided that the Kherson region is Ukraine, and no pseudo-republics have a place there” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

This shouldn’t surprise anyone, as this is a well-known tactic of Moscow and using the “newly” formed “people’s republic’s” to gain control of a territory. In such a manner, that the area and its administrative power gets under the wings of Kremlin. That isn’t shocking anyone and the President is righteous in his assessment that anyone working with the Russians at this time is betraying their nation. They are signing of their fate and becoming wartime collaborationism and should be shunned. The ones signing off and becoming stooges of Russian and directly acting in treason of Ukraine. Therefore, Zelensky is right in saying they have given themselves a sentence, as they have stopped working for the liberty and freedom of Ukraine, but has chosen to be under the control of Kremlin. That is tragic, but the reality of this and the members who did it. Should be worried about what happens when the war is over. Their names will be tainted like the treasonous and war collaborators who cooperated with Nazi-Germany in the 1940s.

I will end with this part of the speech:

On every occasion, I constantly repeat to our friends and partners abroad that they should do more for Ukraine, for Ukrainians. Because it is not only for Ukraine. This is for everyone in Europe. Evil that purposefully bombs peaceful cities… Evil that fires even at ambulances and blows up hospitals will not be able to stop at one country. If it has the strength to go further. I said this at a very important rally in support of our people, which was organized in Europe. More than a hundred thousand people in the squares of Italy and other countries of the continent gathered for a rally in support of Ukraine and against Russian aggression. Millions of people heard my appeal later thanks to broadcasts and recordings. We now enjoy the greatest support in the history of Ukraine for our aspirations and our independence. You can take a public opinion poll in any country and you will see that Ukraine is among the leaders of those who are sympathized with and supported. And Russia is not just among enemies. It is even a bigger enemy, bigger evil than North Korea. That’s what Americans think, for example. Ordinary people in all states. As well as ordinary people in all European countries. And I am grateful to them for this extraordinary support. Grateful for understanding our struggle. Because we are united by one dream – to live freely on our land. And we have the right to what everyone has in the free world. To a safe sky, as well as to our own land” (Volodymyr Zelensky, 13.03.2022).

He has pleaded and been a voice of reason in the midst of the war. The Ukrainian President has pleaded for fighter jets and a “no-fly-zone”, which no one is giving him. Yes, the Polish Government wanted too, but NATO and United States blocked it. When the Warsaw could come to the aide of Ukraine it did, but the others stopped it. That shows that the allies and Europe is hesitant to really help. They are doing more than symbolism, but in comparison to the reality in Kyiv it seems lacking and they are righteous about it.

When your nation is bombed, the enemy sending missiles and killing on the regular. Destroying towns and suburbs with artillery. As the Russian are flatting areas like it did in Chechnya. Now the same is happening Ukraine by the same armies and also participation of forces from Chechnya. That’s the sort of military attacks and mission the Russian are on. Since they are searching for a total surrender and destruction. There is no humanity or care for the victims or the ones who is invaded. These are just supposed to be peasants who bound by law to be part of Russia and the Federation. This is the disgusting brutality and the atrocities, which Zelensky wants to stop in 2022.

We need to support Ukraine and give it what it needs before it’s too late. The one winning is Russia and they can assault Ukraine until their objective is met. The Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn’t care about the casualties or the losses, as long as Kyiv is in his hand. That is all he wants and don’t the deaths. It is just fair game to a guy like him. As long as he doesn’t lose power or lose prestige in Kremlin. That what matters to him. He don’t care and he wants to be an Imperial overlord and have control of the former USSR. That is really it and expect that if he takes Ukraine. He will go further and the war will get another shore than the Black Sea. Peace.

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)