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)

Ukraine: Ministry of Defence – Operational Information on 06:00, 22.03.2022 regarding the russian invasion (22.03.2022)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read it here:

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

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

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

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

Ukraine: President Zelensky speaks to the Russian families and their fallen soldiers

The 22nd day of our struggle, our defense against one of the world’s largest armies is over. Which we make smaller every day. Every day. But it still has numbers, equipment and reserves. We have information that the Russian military is recruiting mercenaries from other countries, trying to deceive as many young people as possible into military service. We know that this will not help them. So now I warn everyone who will try to join the occupiers on our Ukrainian land. This will be the worst decision of your life. Long life is better than the money you are offered for a short one” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

Here we are on the 22nd Day of the Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine. His speeches brings inspiration, but also show how the government are working in war-time. President Volodymyr Zelensky is speaking and showing the courage of Ukrainians in the middle of their struggle to defend their nation against their neighbour.

What is striking is how he warns the Russian soldiers and their allies. Because his speaking directly to them. So, that they can know what is awaiting them. That they can met their grave and die in war, which they could have avoided. Since, the Ukrainian President doesn’t want to see their demise, but he has too. If they participate and does take part of the invasion. That is really saying something. Instead of speaking of vengeance… his showing character yet again.

Just read this quotes here:

Our courageous defenders continue to hold all the key areas that the enemy is pressing. And respond to every attack. To every blow of the occupiers to our peaceful cities, to our people. New Russian conscripts have been taken prisoner. Among them are those who refuse to return to Russia. And there are many who are not even mentioned in Russia. They don’t even try to take them back. Their death notifications have been sent to their families although they are in captivity and alive. All Russians who can hear me now, speak about it. Tell it in Russia. Every mother who knows that her son was sent to war against Ukraine must check where her son is. And especially those who cannot contact their children, who have been told that their children had been killed. And who didn’t receive the bodies. There are phone numbers on the Internet that you can call and find out what is really happening to your children. We did not plan to take thousands of prisoners. We do not need 13 or any number of thousands of dead Russian soldiers. We do not need it. We didn’t want this war. We only want peace. And we want you to love your children more than you fear your authorities” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

You know the war is going bad and the Russian government don’t want to show it locally when they are leaving the bodies behind. Since, if the deceased and killed soldiers on the front-line was returned home. The communities of the soldiers, the families and friend across Russia would see the affects of the war. It wouldn’t just be stats, but be consequential to how the society reacts to it. Maybe, Kremlin don’t want that, as it is thing that would backfire and also cause a stir. People would see the death-toll and losses, as every single person has a family and friends. That will wonder what happened to them. Since, they knew that they left for the front and now they have never returned. So with that in mind, this is also a signal of what is going on and could create reactions within Russia. You never know how fathers and mothers of fallen soldiers will react, but it could spark a counter-reaction, which Kremlin cannot control. That’s why they rather leaving the bodies behind… because the Russian authorities wants everything under wraps and not expose the losses after the start of the invasion.

The occupiers thought they were going to Ukraine, which they had seen before, in 2014-2015. Which they constantly corrupted and which they were not afraid of. But we are different. And this allows us to defend ourselves against a full-scale strike for 22 days already. Everything we have done in a few years. For our defense. For our tactics. For defense tactics, which is not the time to reveal while the war is going on. It is not the time to reveal our tactics of negotiations as well. Negotiations for peace, sovereignty, territorial integrity of our state, our freedom. Working more in silence than on television, radio or Facebook. I think this is right” (Zelensky, 18.03.2022).

Here Zelensky is addressing how the Russians didn’t have the foresight or the idea of how the Ukrainian army would be able to defend itself. It thought strategically that it would be easy and that they could just takeover the Kyiv easily. However, Ukraine has proven to be a hard nut to crack and the Russian armies haven’t found a way to break through. That’s why their assaults are becoming brutal and they want to kill all morale. Since, there weapons, manpower and everything else haven’t succeeded.

These sorts of addresses from Zelensky is important. They will be vital and not only from a PR perspective, but from the sentiment of the head of state. As he sets the tone and shows heart in the middle of conflict. His proving his leadership qualities and also an orator in a time of need, which shows the bravery and the heroic spirit of Ukraine. As they continuing to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Peace.

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

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

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

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

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

A CEPA article explains the importance and implementation of it:

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

How might this work?

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

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

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

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

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