Estonia: Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu) – Statement of Riigikogu – On condemning the annexation of the territory of Ukraine and declaring Russian regime a terrorist regime (18.10.2022)

Opinion: Rahmon challenged Putin….

“What are we missing? Something is missing. Something doesn’t work. As it was the main reason for the collapse of the Soviet Union. (Addressing Vladimir Putin – ed.) You are not offended. We have witnessed with you. I witnessed how it fell apart… Then, excuse me, as now, there was no attention to small republics, small nations. Attention. Traditions, customs, everything else were not taken into account. They did not provide assistance, support for development” – Tajik President Emomali Rahmon (13.10.2022)

Yesterday, the Presidenet of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon spoke with passion and heart about how Central Asia is treated in concern or as an ally of the Russian Federation. The historical ties and the current alliances, which still remains. Though, there are new expectations and also new ways the nations are diplomatically tied. That is a part that has been forgotten or not cared about from Kremlin.

That’s why Tajik President Rahmon said what he said. It is a unique speech in a diplomatic conference between several of nations. The President of Tajikistan has certainly poured gasoline on the manner of which Putin has acted towards the former USSR republic’s. Therefore, these words should sting, but also get the Russian President to reflect on how the Russian Federation has been seen or acted towards it’s neighbours.

While we know that Putin has a dream of building his empire and be remembered as one of the legends of Moscow. That’s how it seems and how he has used Soviet and old grievances to annex or have war against former USSR republics. That’s why there are lost regions in Georgia, Moldova and in Ukraine, which Putin has used to legitimize Russian interference and annexed too. Which is really the reality here.

His words becomes even more sincere here:

“Vladimir Vladimirovich, our request to you is that there be no policy towards the countries of Central Asia, as happened in the Soviet Union. Each country has its own problems, each country has its own questions, each country has its own traditions and customs. We need to find a middle ground, we need to work with each of the republics separately” (Rahmon, 13.10.2022).

Putin should take this to heart. However, we cannot expect anything from him. At this point of time his not the sort of leader that listens or would understand the sentiment even. His more into power-games and outplay leaders. These words might make the Tajik President an enemy of Putin. While he was just coming with honest criticism of Putin. He addressed an issue that needs to be looked into and not forgotten about.

Tajik President is right in saying it and it is about time. However, is it to late for Putin and can he be salvaged in this regard? No, I don’t think so. This is for his successor to fix. Putin will not be interested or do anything about this. That’s my guess, but it would great if the Russian Federation acted upon it. Peace.

Opinion: The CSTO seems to be over…

This week has shown that the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is a pointless and worthless defence pact. The nation in the alliance are not safeguarded or defended. The main sponsor or biggest army, the Russian army seems ambivalent or too busy in the Ukrainian invasion to help out others. The exhaust of the invasion of Ukraine is now showing Kremlin to be powerless and lack military strength to support other member states of the CSTO.

The CSTO was supposed to defend and help out Armenia this week. However, they never shown up and didn’t mind that Azerbaijan did attack Armenia. They could just violate the territories of Armenia and the CSTO wouldn’t do anything. Even when the Armenian government did invoke Article 4 in the CSTO agreement. This just shows that the CSTO is becoming a redundant defence pact. They cannot even show up when a nation call upon them.

In the same regard, which is even more striking is the Tajikistan attacks on Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan has attacked and went into contested areas. Where the Tajikistan armed forces has gone after villagers, and attacked civilians too. There been at least three ceasefires, but Tajikistan has violated them again and again this week. Therefore, the CSTO cannot even look into the acts made by the nations itself.

The CSTO seems like a lost project. Especially, when nations who is members can attack each other without any ramifications and when a member is violated without any reactions or seriousness of it. Armenia is a nation like that. A nation that is an ally of Russia and still nothing. Azerbaijan seems to be living large and be okayed by Putin. Since, there is nothing of substance in concerns to military assistance or even diplomatic measures. The Azerbaijani forces can just do what it does and there is no noise.

The same can be said about the Tajikistan army who are violating and having skirmishes on Kyrgyzstan territories. That has been done and the CSTO hasn’t invoked any meeting or dialogue of any sense. No, the CSTO is a bystander and wondering what it does Certainly, Putin would support the aggressor. Since, Putin prefers dictators and tyrannies over democracies.

That’s why Putin is supporting Azerbaijan and Tajikistan in these wars. Even when these are deliberately showing the West and everyone else that CSTO is a dead-fish in the water. There is nothing there and it won’t care about the nations itself. The Russian army is maybe to damaged and stretched in war in Ukraine. That it cannot help or be at service to the member states of CSTO.

That just shows the weakness of the whole CSTO. As it all evolved around the Russian Federation and the “superpower” it was meant to be. The only thing it does is validating the sense of tyrants standing together and allowed to attack other sovereigns. While the CSTO “values” or actual “defence pact” is worthless. It is not even worth the ink on the paper it was written on.

That’s what is striking here. These wars in Central Asia or the Caucasus is only showing what Putin is losing. His not a feared man and neither is the organizations he has built. If the CSTO was supposed to be a reaction or a defence pact in comparison to NATO. It has surely lost its value and is meaningless. That’s obvious when member states attack each other or a member state is attacked; and nothing is happening at all.

The CSTO is bound to fail and dissolve. The wars and skirmishes in Caucasus is showing that. If this is a plan. Certainly, Putin is losing influence and only weakening his own case. Because he have no Defence Pact and leverage with former USSR republics. They are more independent and don’t even have to be concerned with Kremlin or what Moscow might want. There is no connection or no bother really. They know Putin or Kremlin won’t mind either. He just looks away and is unbothered about the whole thing. Peace.

Opinion: Is the CSTO ready to be tested? [In Armenia or Tajikistan]

This week the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is put under pressure. That is happening as the Russian army is under fire and getting hit hard on the front-lines in Ukraine. Russians as the “superpower” of the CSTO and with the losses in Ukraine. Certainly the warfare in Ukraine is weakening not only Russia, but the CSTO itself. That’s why this weeks actions against Member States of CSTO begs to question. Is the CSTO up to it? Or was it a dream turned into a nightmare in Kremlin?

The CSTO has been Moscow controlled and centralized from there to have some sort of military alliance and influence over former Soviet Republics. That’s why the CSTO consist of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Former Member States are Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan. While Serbia is the only state, which is an observer to the CSTO.

Why I am saying CSTO is in trouble?

Well, the recent skirmishes between Azerbaijan and Armenia is the first push. Where the Azerbaijan has attacked Armenia in contested areas. Which has killed unknown amount of soldiers and used artillery on Armenia soil. The Azerbaijan army has even attacked a Russian FSB van in the border region. So, this here shows how volatile things are.

In addition to the acts and skirmishes between Azerbaijan and Armenia. While the Kyrgyzstan’s border force has attacked the Tajikistan as well. That’s two more conflicts involving the member states of the CSTO.

The Armenian state has already invoked or plans to invoke the article of the pact, which says the other member state has to help them out in a conflict. This means the fellow alliance members has to come to Armenia with military aide.

The question here now will be… has Russia or Belarus any real army capacity to offer? Will, the Russians depleted armies and stretched manpower be able to help Armenia in the hour of need?

There is already talk of the very independent Armenia not helping in the war in Ukraine. That the Russians might be reluctant to help them now. Since, the Russian would have needed support, both equipment and brigades in the war in Ukraine. However, there has only been help and support from Minsk.

Tajikistan has offered equipment and ammunition to the Russians for the war in Ukraine. So, that’s another ball-game.

We will see who Moscow will come to support. This is their alliance and counter-pact to the NATO. So, it has to prove it’s value now, as the members are now hurt and their sovereignty is hit by neighbours, which is what Moscow is doing to Kyiv. However, Moscow can be a hypocrite about that, as long as that fits the interests of Kremlin or His Excellency, Putin.

This will surely be a test for the Russian alliance, the CSTO. That is under fire right now. The border skirmishes and clashes are only showing how the Member States needs support. That Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan is attacking their neighbours. There is certainly a lot at play here.

We just have to see how the Kremlin moves now. They have to show their worth. In the moment and time, when their own forces and armies aren’t in a good place either. As the Ukrainian advances are hitting everywhere. The launched Special Operation in Ukraine is certainly backfiring and we can wonder if they have enough resources to boost their allies of the CSTO. Peace.

Opinion: Does Berlin want Russian forces closer to its borders?

Ever since the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, which has now been going on for over a 100 days. The Russians has already annexed Crimea in 2014 and been since then inciting rebels and separatist in the Donbass regions. Therefore, the war with Russia was started long before the sudden day in February this year.

The Western nations could see this coming and the allies of the European Union could have supported the Ukrainians earlier. Kremlin and President Putin has used the expansion and adding more members of the NATO as an excuse to takeover or control the former USSR republic’s. This is because Putin wants an empire and revive the “greatness” of the Soviets. That is more important to him than the NATO expansion or anything else.

The ones speaking of a realignment have spoken to soon. The EU and NATO is on the backbone in concern to Ukraine. Yes, certain member-states are going far and beyond to support Kyiv. This being the Baltics, Poland and others who is possibly in the firing-line when Moscow is done with Ukraine. This being Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and so on. There is so many nations in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia, which could easily be invaded next. That is even Georgia, Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan.

While we have seen Berlin being the ugly cousin of Budapest. Berlin is all vibes and no true support. Germany is slow or blocking donated military equipment. Heck, the United States of America also blocked fighter-jets donated from Poland to Ukraine. While Germany has favoured being a close trading partner with Russia and only sanctioned things which isn’t hurting the economy. That’s why there is no difference between Orban or Scholz at this point. They are the same, but just a different package.

However, the Germans should wonder if they want Russian soldiers on their borders? Because, Putin believes the former USSR republics belongs under his influence and control. That’s because they are “colonies” and cannot make “sovereign decisions”. So, who knows if Moldova or another nations can get into the frontline after Ukraine. Berlin should feel responsible for that. They could have avoided it and ensured the Defence of Ukraine was up to speed. Nevertheless, the Germans and the “soft” allies who are trying to “save face” of the warlord in Moscow.

We have seen high ranking officials in Russia speaking of Poland and Kaliningrad. They have talked of corridors and whatnot. So, the Russians could easily get very close to German borders. Who knows if Putin feel attached and that the Russians are righteous owners of the former territory of DDR. Have the leaders of Berlin thought of that? The republic got united after the fall of the Berlin wall, but with people like Vladimir you can never know if he thinks Moscow should have a vassal-state and a capital of Eastern zone of Berlin itself. Therefore, this is just speculations, but never underestimate a warlord like Putin.

That Scholz wants to do soft-diplomacy is fine, but the solidarity talk and vibes aren’t saving people in Ukraine. Neither is it saving or helping the cause of the Western world. No, it is just showing how despicable he is and this is why his just another nationalist like Orban. His more worried about the industries in Germany, than the war happening in parts of Ukraine. The war that can easily go further if the Russians bleed the Ukrainian out. That can happen if they are not getting proper weapons or the capacity to retaliate towards the Russian army.

It seems like the Germans and their leaders wants to be Putin’s friends and not the real allies of the free world. That’s a tragic look. As they are more into the posh words, but inaction in concern to the plights of Kyiv. Instead the German bureaucracy and arms industry isn’t helping in the midst of war. Nevertheless, if it doesn’t do now. Maybe it has to later step up when it gets even closer to its border. They could have stopped it and given what Kyiv needed. However, that was to much to ask. So, now a while later… the Russian forces gets closer to Berlin, which I don’t think the Germans really wants. Peace.

Opinion: Fedorov should know his Lenin… and just continue to recognise Lithuania

Today, the Deputy of the State, E.A. Fedorov have published and released a resolution: “№ 139560- On the annulment of the Resolution of the State Council of the USSR “On The Recognition of the Independence of the Republic of Lithuania”” (Duma, 08.06.2022). This is really striking and shows how vindictive the Russians are these days. As they are going back into history and plans to revoke recognition of states, because of their support and alliance with Ukraine. That is all happening, because how Lithuania is supporting with arms and other means.

What is striking in the 1991 Agreement says this: “The Republic of Lithuania and the Russian Soviet Federated Republic, hereinafter called “the High Contracting Parties”, Assigning to the past events and actions that hindered each High Contracting Party from fully and freely realising their state sovereignty, And being convinced that once the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics annuls the consequences of the 1940 annexation violating Lithuania’s sovereignty, created will be additional conditions for mutual trust between the High Contracting Parties and their peoples” (…) “The High Contracting Parties recognise one another as full-fledged subjects of international law and as sovereign states according to their state status as established by the fundamental acts adopted by the Republic of Lithuania on 11 March 1990 and by the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic on 12 June 1990” (No. 31051 LITHUANIA and RUSSIAN FEDERATION Treaty on the basis for relations between States. Signed at Moscow on 29 July 1991, Registered 21.06.1994).

It is really revealing that the Russian Federation is working on USSR treaties and agreements like these. As they are not the legal body or recognised themselves as the USSR. No, the Russian Federation is a separated entity and legal subject. Since, the territory, the political bodies and such isn’t existing anymore. Even if the Russian President and Kremlin wants to revive the “glory” of the former Russian Empire.

The Lithuanian state a long history, which is rich and is far from the time of Soviet. The Duchy of Lithuania was a powerful state for a long time. It lasted from 1316 to 1569. The Grand Duchy territory reached from western Ukraine, parts of Belarus and Lithuania. After that it became a part of a union with Poland, which created the Poland-Lithuanian confederacy. That lasted to the 17^th century. Therefore, it is nothing natural or easily historical fact that Russians should have a say over Lithuania. No, it has fought it several of times. Not only when the Soviets was tearing itself apart.

No, the Lithuania did the same during Lenin’s time too. When he was also fighting the Poland and trying to use Lithuanian territory to attack it. That’s why Lenin signed a peace-agreement and recognised Lithuania. Lituanus reports it like this: “When in 1918, Russia and Germany were two states completely exhausted by the long and devastating world war, the circumstances were again favorable for Lithuanian independence. On February 16, of the same year, the Lithuanian National Council, in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, issued a Declaration of Independence, which fired the whole nation to take up arms to assert its claims to freedom. Its efforts were not in vain. On July 12, 1920, Lithuania and Soviet Russia signed a treaty of peace which unconditionally recognized Lithuanian sovereignity and independence. Six years later, wishing to strengthen the effect of that treaty, both countries signed a Treaty of Non-Aggression which re-asserted the absolute sovereignity and territorial integrity of the contracting parties” (Lituanus – ‘THE ANNEXATION OF LITHUANIA BY SOVIET UNION’ – JULIUS ŠMULKŠTYS).

So, the Russians has made several of agreements with Lithuania. Nevertheless, they didn’t follow through. We know the Russians did annex Lithuania. Until, the latest independence in 1991. So, the historical nation of Lithuania was released from Moscow and could be run from Vilnius. Now, the Russians are trying to revive their empire, which was expected by the invasion of Ukraine. However, that hasn’t gone after plan and after a 100 days of war. They are not succeeding or getting results worth praising. They have lost so many soldiers, mechanical divisions and such. Therefore, the Russians should reconsider this sort of diplomatic act of aggression against Lithuania. Because, this is just showing disregard over another sovereign nation.

What is striking is that the Duma is using an agreement from a non-existent legal entity and isn’t even trying to mask it. That just shows what sort of games the Duma is playing. If they does this to Lithuania. Who is up next of all the former USSR republic’s? Moldova? Georgia? Azerbaijan? Kazakhstan? Uzbekistan? Estonia? Latvia? Poland? Czech Republic?

Since Lithuania isn’t the only one and there was certainly written similar agreements with them. That’s why the Russian Federation could easily make itself less viable and just show it lack of diplomatic efforts, by directing anger like this. They are recognizing self-created “People’s Republics” within the former USSR republic in Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. However, they could easily revoke the recognition of the “sovereignty” of the other former USSR republics.

We are now seeing how the Russians play and they are clearly not acting like a sincere state, but as an aggressor. Who are now again showing that possible agreements with them is pointless. Since, they can easily throw the papers out or make them void. Just because another sovereign decides to support Kyiv and Ukraine, in their hour of need. Peace.

Opinion: Kövér doesn’t understand wartime diplomacy…

“When someone needs help, they usually ask for it politely. He is persistent, but he always asks. He never demands, let alone threatens. A person usually threatens enemies, not those he wants to have as friends. He (Zelenskiy) must be suffering from some kind of mental disorder” (…) “In my time following world politics, I have not seen a representative of a country in difficulty that needs something express himself to anyone in the same way as President Zelenskiy. And he did it not only towards Hungary, but also towards the German Chancellor” – President of the Hungarian Parliament, László Kövér in an interview to HirTV on Saturday (04.06.2022).

We know that the leadership of Budapest prefers Moscow over Kyiv. Anyone who doesn’t know that. Haven’t heard Fidesz and their leaders ahead of the polls this year. The Hungarian ruling party have been resilient and ensuring their loyalty towards Russia over solidarity to Ukraine. That’s why it stops and blocks possible meaningful sanctions on Kremlin and Russia. Because, Putin’s blessing are more meaningful than stopping the war-machine of the Russian army.

So, listening to Kövér reasoning. You know it would be favouring Moscow and be throwing shade against Kyiv. That is happening here and his speaking ill of Zelensky. It is like the Parliamentary President of Hungary doesn’t understand war and the needs of a defending nation during an invasion.

The Ukrainian government and speeches to the West can be harsh or critical. However, anyone with some common sense would understand why. President Zelensky is under massive pressure and in needs of ammunition or advanced weaponry to beat a superior enemy. It isn’t like Ukraine was ahead of Russia before the war. The war was supposed to be a walkover for Russia and easy picking before the invasion started. Therefore, Zelensky and the Defence of Kyiv needed more arms, and quickly.

The President of the Parliament in Budapest is oblivious to this fact and only considers flattering words apparently. Not like his counterparts or his fellow associates in Fidesz has always been speaking nicely about others. Even when they are not in war and only on the campaign trail. The party of Fidesz and high-ranking officials has spoken ill of Brussels, as a way of winning populist voters.

However, it is much feasible to downplay and disregard Zelensky these days. As that is a winning formula in Budapest. To show the Russian allies that they are not playing around and isn’t showing any sort of positivity towards Kyiv. Because, that’s what this is…

Kövér better hope that his nation and such never gets involved in a conflict or is directly attacked by a neighbour. I doubt there will be soft pleas or just nice quotes out of the Prime Minister then. I have a feeling the rhetoric and the speeches will change swiftly. Just like the Ukrainian President has come out more fierce and direct. Because, he has a haste and need to change things yesterday. He don’t need to be loved, as long as he saves his nation. That should be understood, but clearly in Budapest… that is a story, which isn’t clear.

We are just seeing a pattern of what Fidesz and the leadership of Budapest is willing to do. They are just token allies of Russia and there is no bound of how low they are willing to steep down to show it. Kövér is just another leaders and a man of influence who shows that sort of sentiment.

It is obvious that Budapest isn’t part of European solidarity towards Ukraine. No, it is bleeding for Russia and there is no way back from that. Peace.

Opinion: Draghi, Macron and Scholz are all copying Orbán [on their way of handling Ukraine]

The last few days European leaders across several nations has shown the same sort of sentiment that we have gotten used to from Budapest, Hungary. That Prime Minister Viktor Orbán doing favours and playing second fiddle to Kremlin is nothing new. However, reading and seeing reports from else where is shocking.

We have seen that the Italian politicians, not only Silvio Berlusconi defending Russia and their interests in Ukraine. This has also been done by the Prime Minister Mario Draghi who has come with a plan to where Ukraine cedes territory to Russia and follows their perimeter for peace. The pointed plan could have been written by the Russian and been hackwork from them. Since, it would give everything Vladimir Putin wishes and humiliate the defending nation Ukraine. Who has not only lost sovereign territory, but also given way to the invader. In such a way that their sacrifice was done for nothing and Moscow got their will. This would be like the Ukrainian saying the Italians should give up Trieste or the nearby region there to Austria or Hungary, since it belonged to the House of Habsburg in the past. Therefore, doing this is ill advised and will do no good to Kyiv.

While the newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron has already been afraid that Putin might loose face in the conflict. He has furthered his ideals that the Ukrainian could cede territory as well. This is a continuation of the favourable ideals of the European leaders to buy “peace” buy giving away territory which isn’t theirs. Not like the French has ever given away territory or pieces of land without retaliating or giving unfavourable agreements. Just ask Haiti or any other former colony, which is still connected to it by Monetary Unions or having their gold reserves in Paris. Therefore, the French should respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, as it values its own. Unless, the French wants to donate territories to the United Kingdom or anyone else for that matter.

Macron has to further the lack lustre support of Kyiv, as he has said the Ukrainian state will take years or decades to be able to join or be a part of the European Union. That means the shallow basis of the solidarity to Ukraine is only skin-deep. Only a show for the voters ahead of the polls. Because, everything else is indirect support of Moscow from the likes of Macron. He is just as spineless and hopeless as Orbán. You would think Ukraine could bring European values and as a unifying ally in the East. However, they have not only fought for their sovereignty, but their own independence to chose allies. Allies who is halting or not understanding their needs. Therefore, they are instead being weak and tolerant towards an imperial and fascist force under the banner Z from Russia.

German Chancellor Olof Scholz have been slow, bureaucratic and done as little as possible. Only spoken of solidarity and haven’t even tried to dig deep with financial sanctions of Russia. Neither has the German nation supported heavily the needs of arms and equipment in the self-defence of Ukraine. It has taken forever to give them anything and it had to be done while negotiating with own military industry.

Scholz continues where Macron left off and not promising help to fast-track Ukraine into the EU. The longer that takes and the harder the possibility to join for the fighting nation. The more it is a target and a possible victim of Russian aggression. It just like Rome, Berlin or Paris doesn’t understand that. They are not on the border with Russia and haven’t the threat close to it. This is why they can play second fiddle and take it easy.

That’s the reason why the Baltic’s have defended Kyiv and directly supported it wholeheartedly. The same can be said about Polen. These four nations have been giving and showing direct support beyond their means. While the big-power of the European Union are showing the same sort of hesitation and slow moving capacity, which only benefits Russia. That’s the sort of thing you would expect from Budapest.

That Macron, Scholz and Draghi all could be distant cousins of Orbán. They are acting like close relatives and family. As they are just so friendly to Moscow and Kremlin. While being so careful to help or show solidarity with Ukraine. It is like they don’t understand what is going on or what’s at stake. If they let the EU Membership gong for a decade or so. That buys Russia time to return again before Kyiv is accepted. Just like the NATO is hesitant too.

If the Europeans really cares about Ukraine and wants to safeguard it. They should be less caring about the villain and the violator of Ukraine. The ones that is killing, raping and destroying their homeland on a daily basis. The Ukrainian people is the victims and the ones bravely fighting for their freedom.

To read such statements, citations and whatnot from leaders of Europe isn’t what Ukraine needs at this point of time. Especially, if these leaders cares about the integrity and independence of Ukraine. Secondly, if Ukraine is a partner and an ally of Europe. Why not allow it into the common market and be a part of the European Union?

Instead, these leaders are acting like Ukraine is the lost member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which is what Russia wants and then it would in its sphere of influence; instead of turning to Europe. Because, I can assure you that Putin would have accepted Kyiv in that hegemony yesterday to boost the EAEU collective. Therefore, the EU and the European leaders should seize the moment and grab the opportunity. In such a way it can safeguard an ally and a nation in need. Instead of toying around and giving a carrot without fulfilling anything. That is insincere and injustice towards Ukraine.

Ukraine needs Europe and Europe needs Ukraine. They are connected and right now Ukraine is on the frontline and fighting for Europe. Because, if Ukraine fails and Russia still have a drive. They could easily continue to their war elsewhere in their path for imperial glory. Therefore, seeing and hearing this from the heads of state of Europe. Its disappointing and these people should know better, but that’s apparently to much to ask.

Who knew that these gentlemen was inspired and following Orbán’s lead? Nobody knew that before, but the conflict and war in Ukraine exposed them all. They are all have a little Orbán at heart. Peace.

Uzbekistan: Kamilov demoted for defending Ukraine

“First of all, the situation around Ukraine is a matter of serious concern in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is committed to finding a peaceful solution to the situation and resolving the conflict through political and diplomatic means. For this, first of all, military operations and violence must stop immediately. Uzbekistan has historically had traditionally multifaceted relations with both Russia and Ukraine. And we will continue mutually beneficial cooperation with both countries based on our national interests. We will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in these difficult times and will continue to do so in light of the current difficult situation. In turn, Uzbekistan recognizes the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We do not recognize the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics” – Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov (17.03.2022).

Today on the 27^th April 2022 after three weeks of uncertainty and supposed sickness. The Foreign Minister is officially demoted and Vladimir Norov is appointed in his stead. Norov was the Foreign Minister between 2006-2010. So, he is an experienced man for the role. Kamilov is moved (appointed) to become the Deputy Secretary of Uzbekistan’s Security Council. Where Kamilov will be responsible for Foreign Policy and Security.

So, most likely the reason why he has been in the shadow and not been heard is because of his stance. He stood in defiance against Kremlin and President Putin. It is now clear that speech in the Parliament in March cost his prestigious position as the Foreign Minister.

Kamilov is a man of Uzbekistan who stood in solidarity with Ukraine. He defended Ukraine against the Russian aggression and violation of their sovereignty. That says something about him. This should be recognized as he is demoted and his future is now sealed.

Since he did that statement in Parliament he was not to be seen. That seems like a deliberate act of the Uzbekistan government and authorities. Because, they would fear backlash and the ramification of doing this. This is why his first silenced, not seen and rumours of his sickness.

Now weeks after that there is now reports of demotions and someone to overtake his role. Yes, an experienced man and someone who has held this office before. That’s why that man will not defend the “indefensible” and “offend” Kremlin. He will be careful and dance softly to the tunes of Putin.

That’s what Kamilov dared to challenge and defend Kyiv. He didn’t be another token puppet of Moscow. Kamilov stood for something and it was righteous. That’s why he was silenced and later when the fade went away demoted. This is very obvious…

The authorities and government of Tashkent might refute or rebuke this. However, the sun is set on it and they wouldn’t have hid the man. If he didn’t offend the Don or didn’t baffle the autocrats of Uzbekistan. Because, if this was supported he would have been praised and wouldn’t have been hidden. However, they took him out of the public sphere and now weeks later demoted. That is just showing that the Uzbekistan government is answering a diplomatic impasse, which was possibly created.

Nevertheless, Kamilov did something righteous and was brave to do so. The government of Tashkent is clearly afraid of Moscow and that’s why they did this… Peace.

Opinion: I believe Scholz is the unknown twin of Orbán

The longer the Russian-Belorussian invasion is happening in Ukraine. The more I am questioning the ones who is blocking, continuing to trade and be relaxed with lacking military support to the forces of Ukraine. We are now in the end of April 2022 and the war started in the end of February 2022. There is enough water under the bridge and the 6 packages of sanctions from the European Union (EU) hasn’t stagnated or destroyed the Russian economy. It is still striving because of people like the German Chancellor and the Hungarian Prime Minister.

The ones mentioned is German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. These to are comrades and supporters of the same causes. One is doing so in defence of Germany and another does it in favour of Hungary. Instead of showing proper solidarity or using their nations influence to help the sovereign state of Ukraine. They are instead in silence and with internal reasons continuing to fuel the Russian economy, which gives the Russian Federation monetary gains to prolong the war.

That’s why the ones who has spoke ill of Orbán. His a right-wing, nationalist and a man with despicable foreign affairs policies. If not really bad ideas on migration and refugees. That’s what he has strived on for years together with easy populist measures. In this concern it is continuing buying Russian gas and oil.

The same cannot be said Scholz… his not a nationalist or an anti migration or refugees like his Hungarian counterpart. However, his blocking heavy weaponry, not sanctioning Russian coal, gas or oil imports to Germany. That’s why his so similar to Orbán.

I am pretty sure that Scholz don’t want to be aligned or called alike to Orbán. However, in practical sense and with the brutal warfare in Ukraine. Scholz deserves this and held accountable. Other European allies and EU Member States are more in favour of blocking the gas, coal and oil imports from Russia. The same nations are also willing to give what the Defence Ministry of Ukraine needs. Which isn’t just ammunition, but heavy weaponry and even MIG-29 fighter jets.

While Scholz seems to be cautious and wanting the Parliament to sign it off. He don’t want to sign-off himself as a Chancellor. We know that, because if he could… he would have done so and ensured it. He wants to evaluate everything and ensure the best address for the German industry before doing so. This means that the possibility of supporting Ukraine depends on internal interests and not directly on the needs of Ukraine. That is the sort of fella Scholz is and that just sounds like Orbán.

Orbán wouldn’t risk involvement or supply weapons to Ukraine. Neither would he stop buying gas or oil from Russia. That is all, because the Hungarian wants to be “neutral” and not “directly” involved in the conflict, but they are ensuring profits and money from the sale of energy to Hungary. That’s why you know that move isn’t really “neutral” but indirectly supporting Kremlin and Russia.

The same can now be said about Berlin and Scholz. It has gone over 50 days of warfare and his in-actions shows his lack of concern and more indirectly caring about internal affairs. That’s why Germany and Scholz isn’t really supporting of Kyiv. Only on paper and with some soft sound-bites. However, the Chancellor will easily stifle help or diplomatic efforts with a slow-moving German bureaucracy, which in the end will be beneficial for Russia.

That’s why the unknown twin of Orbán is Scholz. Maybe not by DNA or such, but they brothers from another mother. They are inter-connected by their behaviour and relaxed attitude towards the war-torn Kyiv. That’s why they could be comrades and be allies. Scholz might not like that, but it’s hard to see difference between him and Orbán. It’s only the flag and political banner which is different. The rest is more of the same and the lack of needed support Ukraine is devastating. They are both seeing the results, the war-crimes and the acts of the Russian invader.

Still, for both of these men, the most important thing is their own pockets and not risking anything. While a sovereign is burning and they are banking on the downfall of Kyiv. That’s how it seems and they hope this will not have ramifications or costs for Europe. As one of their own is lost. However, if they are doing so… they are giving Russia a headway and the borders are getting closer to them.

The Iron Curtain won’t be that far from Budapest or Berlin. They should be concerned and help the front-lines of Europe. Nevertheless, after all this time. I wouldn’t count on it. Peace.