WIKIPEDIA: Vladimir Horowitz.
Sunday, March 06, 2022
Schumann - Kinderszenen Op.15, "Scenes from Childhood" | Vladimir Horowitz
WIKIPEDIA: Vladimir Horowitz.
Anita Lasker Wallfisch: Mich hat Auschwitz nie verlassen
Warlord Who Helped Oversee Chechnya’s Brutal ‘Gay Purge’ Killed in Ukraine
PINK NEWS: Magomed Tushayev, one of the leaders behind the horrific “gay purge” in Chechnya, has been killed in Ukraine.
Tushayev was a top advisor and military commander for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and helped oversee a brutal so-called “purge” of LGBT+ people in the region since at least 2017.
He was reportedly killed while heading up the 141 motorised regiment of the Chechnya National Guard on Saturday (26 February), the Ukrainian news agency the Kyiv Independent reported.
Tushayev’s death was confirmed by Illia Ponomarenko, defence reporter for the Kyiv Independent, and by a spokesperson for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, according to the Los Angeles Blade. » | Maggie Baska | Monday, February 28, 2022
Former Top Russian Diplomat: ‘People Will Realize Their Sons Are Dying’
France Accuses UK of ‘Lack of Humanity’ over Ukrainian Refugees
THE GUARDIAN: French interior minister writes to Priti Patel urging government to set up proper consular services in Calais
France’s interior minister has accused the British government of showing a “lack of humanity” when it comes to helping the Ukrainian refugees who have fled the Russian invasion and are now waiting in Calais for permission to join their families in the UK.
Hundreds of Ukrainians have come to the northern French port in the last few days in the hope of crossing the Channel so they can be with relatives who are already established in the UK.
According to the French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, 400 Ukrainian refugees have presented themselves at Calais border crossings in recent days – only for 150 of them to be told to go away and obtain visas at UK consulates in Paris or Brussels.
In a letter to the UK home secretary, Priti Patel, Darmanin called on the British government to set up a proper consular service in Calais, adding that its response so far was “completely unsuitable” and showed a “lack of humanity“ towards refugees who were often “in distress”. » | Sam Jones, Amelia Gentleman and Aubrey Allegretti | Sunday, March 6, 2022
France’s interior minister has accused the British government of showing a “lack of humanity” when it comes to helping the Ukrainian refugees who have fled the Russian invasion and are now waiting in Calais for permission to join their families in the UK.
Hundreds of Ukrainians have come to the northern French port in the last few days in the hope of crossing the Channel so they can be with relatives who are already established in the UK.
According to the French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, 400 Ukrainian refugees have presented themselves at Calais border crossings in recent days – only for 150 of them to be told to go away and obtain visas at UK consulates in Paris or Brussels.
In a letter to the UK home secretary, Priti Patel, Darmanin called on the British government to set up a proper consular service in Calais, adding that its response so far was “completely unsuitable” and showed a “lack of humanity“ towards refugees who were often “in distress”. » | Sam Jones, Amelia Gentleman and Aubrey Allegretti | Sunday, March 6, 2022
Could Israel or Turkey Broker Peace in Ukraine? | DW News
Volodymyr Zelensky: From Actor and Comedian to Ukraine's Wartime Leader | 60 Minutes Australia
The War in Ukraine Holds a Warning for the World Order
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The multinational response shows that liberalism has some life left. But the challenges posed by waning U.S. power and rising authoritarianism remain formidable.
The liberal world order has been on life support for a while. President Biden, in his inaugural address, called democracy “fragile.” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia said two years ago that “the liberal idea” had “outlived its purpose,” while China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has extolled the strength of an all-powerful state and, as he put it last March, “self-confidence in our system.”
The multinational response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the demise of the global postwar rules-based order may not be inevitable. A month ago, no one predicted that Germany would reverse decades of military hesitancy and pour 100 billion euros into its defense budget, or that Switzerland would freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs, or that YouTube, World Cup soccer and global energy companies would all cut ties to Russia.
But the reappearance of war in Europe is also an omen. With toddlers sheltering in subway tunnels, and nuclear power plants under threat, it is a global air raid siren — a warning that the American-led system of internationalism needs to get itself back into gear, for the war at hand and for the struggle against authoritarianism to come. » | Damien Cave | Friday, March 4, 2022
The liberal world order has been on life support for a while. President Biden, in his inaugural address, called democracy “fragile.” President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia said two years ago that “the liberal idea” had “outlived its purpose,” while China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has extolled the strength of an all-powerful state and, as he put it last March, “self-confidence in our system.”
The multinational response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shown that the demise of the global postwar rules-based order may not be inevitable. A month ago, no one predicted that Germany would reverse decades of military hesitancy and pour 100 billion euros into its defense budget, or that Switzerland would freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs, or that YouTube, World Cup soccer and global energy companies would all cut ties to Russia.
But the reappearance of war in Europe is also an omen. With toddlers sheltering in subway tunnels, and nuclear power plants under threat, it is a global air raid siren — a warning that the American-led system of internationalism needs to get itself back into gear, for the war at hand and for the struggle against authoritarianism to come. » | Damien Cave | Friday, March 4, 2022
”Desperation”: Ex-Intelligence Chief on Putin's Decision to Deploy Mercenaries in Ukraine
Visa and Mastercard Will Both Suspend Operations in Russia
THE GUARDIAN: Transactions to be cut off after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged companies to take action
Visa and Mastercard have announced tonight they will be suspending operations in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Visa said in a statement that it would cut off transactions “over the coming days” and consequently cards issued in Russia would not work abroad as well as foreign issued cards in Russia.
Alfred Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of the US-based digital payments company, said: “We are compelled to act following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed.
“We regret the impact this will have on our valued colleagues, and on the clients, partners, merchants and cardholders we serve in Russia. » | Nadeem Badshah | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Visa and Mastercard have announced tonight they will be suspending operations in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
Visa said in a statement that it would cut off transactions “over the coming days” and consequently cards issued in Russia would not work abroad as well as foreign issued cards in Russia.
Alfred Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of the US-based digital payments company, said: “We are compelled to act following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed.
“We regret the impact this will have on our valued colleagues, and on the clients, partners, merchants and cardholders we serve in Russia. » | Nadeem Badshah | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Mit Gott und Granaten
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Kritiker werfen dem russischen Präsidenten eine Sakralisierung seiner Politik vor. Bei seinem Angriff auf die Ukraine spielt die russisch-orthodoxe Kirche eine Schlüsselrolle
Gut siebentausend russische Wissenschaftler haben in einem Auf¬ruf gegen den von Russlands Präsident Wladimir Putin befohlenen Angriff auf die Ukraine pro-testiert und ihr Land als „militärischen Ag¬gressor“ und „Schurkenstaat“ kritisiert. Der politischen Führung in Moskau haben sie „historiosophische Fantasien“ vor-geworfen. Sie schmähten damit nicht nur das aus ihrer Sicht imperiale Gebaren eines Autokraten, der eine nationale Mission zu erfüllen glaubt, sondern auch die Sakra-lisierung der russischen Politik in den zu¬rückliegenden beiden Jahrzehnten.
Putin selbst sieht sich im Dienste einer na¬tio¬nalen Mission und will verlorenes Terri-torium zurückholen. Das ist ein Narrativ, das den Zaren ebenso diente wie Katharina II., die damit die Teilung Polens rechtfer¬tigte. » | Von Heike Schmoll, Politische Korrespondentin in Berlin, zuständig für die „Bildungswelten“. | Samstag, 5. März 2022
LIRE AUSSI :
« L’Ukraine catalyse une crise au sein du monde orthodoxe entre Moscou et Constantinople » : La guerre menée par la Russie en Ukraine est aussi religieuse, décrypte l’historien Antoine Arjakovsky, qui explique comment ce conflit oppose le patriarche de Moscou, devenu idéologue de l’impérialisme du Kremlin, à une Eglise orthodoxe d’Ukraine qui s’est émancipée de la tutelle russe en 2019. »
Saturday, March 05, 2022
Defiant Putin Warns the West: Your Sanctions Are Akin to an Act of War
THE OBSERVER: Ukraine told: your statehood is in doubt as Russian bombs end ceasefire in Mariupol
Vladimir Putin delivered a chilling warning to the west over the imposition of sanctions on Russia on Saturday, warning that measures designed to cripple his country’s economy were “akin to an act of war”.
In comments that were both defiant and threatening, the Russian president also told Ukraine’s leaders that their nation risked being dismantled as an independent sovereign state if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion.
“The current leadership needs to understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they risk the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Putin said. “If that happens they will have to be blamed for that.”
His intervention, in which he hinted the conflict could soon spread beyond Ukraine unless the west changed course, came as Moscow broke a ceasefire agreement to allow Ukrainian civilians to flee after 10 days of bombing and devastation.
Later, Russia’s foreign ministry followed up Putin’s warning by specifically singling out the UK for what it called “sanctions hysteria” and its prominent role in supporting Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, said Russia would not forget the UK’s cooperation with Kyiv. » | Toby Helm, Luke Harding in Lviv, Daniel Boffey in Brussels & Julian Borger in Washington | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Related.
Vladimir Putin delivered a chilling warning to the west over the imposition of sanctions on Russia on Saturday, warning that measures designed to cripple his country’s economy were “akin to an act of war”.
In comments that were both defiant and threatening, the Russian president also told Ukraine’s leaders that their nation risked being dismantled as an independent sovereign state if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion.
“The current leadership needs to understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they risk the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Putin said. “If that happens they will have to be blamed for that.”
His intervention, in which he hinted the conflict could soon spread beyond Ukraine unless the west changed course, came as Moscow broke a ceasefire agreement to allow Ukrainian civilians to flee after 10 days of bombing and devastation.
Later, Russia’s foreign ministry followed up Putin’s warning by specifically singling out the UK for what it called “sanctions hysteria” and its prominent role in supporting Ukraine. Maria Zakharova, the foreign ministry spokeswoman, said Russia would not forget the UK’s cooperation with Kyiv. » | Toby Helm, Luke Harding in Lviv, Daniel Boffey in Brussels & Julian Borger in Washington | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Related.
Zelenskiy Calls for US to Send Aircraft to Ukraine in Video Call with US Congress
THE GUARDIAN: President made a ‘desperate plea’ for military aid to more than 280 senators and representatives as Congress works on $10bn package
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy asked the US for planes, drones and anti-aircraft missiles. Photograph: Ukrainian Presidency Press Offic/Zuma Press Wire Service/Rex/Shutterstock
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, urged US lawmakers to help provide aircraft to defend the country against Russian invasion during a video meeting with members of Congress on Saturday.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, said Zelenskiy “made a desperate plea” for the military aid, which would include planes, drones and anti-aircraft missiles. The Ukrainian president praised sanctions placed upon Russia during the meeting but pressed US lawmakers to go further by banning oil imports from Moscow.
“These planes are very much needed,” Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement following the gathering of more than 280 senators and House of Representative members. “And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer.” » | Oliver Milman in New York | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, the president of Ukraine, urged US lawmakers to help provide aircraft to defend the country against Russian invasion during a video meeting with members of Congress on Saturday.
Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, said Zelenskiy “made a desperate plea” for the military aid, which would include planes, drones and anti-aircraft missiles. The Ukrainian president praised sanctions placed upon Russia during the meeting but pressed US lawmakers to go further by banning oil imports from Moscow.
“These planes are very much needed,” Schumer, a Democrat, said in a statement following the gathering of more than 280 senators and House of Representative members. “And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer.” » | Oliver Milman in New York | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Putin Threatens to Strip Ukraine of Statehood, As Russian Advance Slows
THE NEW YORK TIMES: The Russian leader escalated his threats as Ukrainian forces continued to resist. Protests broke out in the first major city captured by Russia. A limited cease-fire collapsed in a besieged city. Israel’s prime minister visits Moscow.
LVIV, Ukraine — As his troops continued to run into stiff resistance in Ukraine, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia delivered an ominous message to Ukrainians on Saturday, telling government leaders they might lose their statehood and likening the withering sanctions imposed on his country to a “declaration of war.”
“The current leadership needs to understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they risk the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Mr. Putin said. He also said any third-party countries that tried to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be considered enemy combatants. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has beseeched Western countries to declare such a no-fly zone.
Mr. Putin issued his threats as Ukrainians across the country continued to engage in defiant displays of patriotism, even in places that have been overtaken by the Russians. In Kherson, the first major city to fall to Russian troops, hundreds of protesters gathered in the central square at 10 a.m. on Saturday, many waving Ukrainian flags, according to video streamed live from the scene and verified by The New York Times. » |Marc Santora | Saturday, March 5, 2022
LVIV, Ukraine — As his troops continued to run into stiff resistance in Ukraine, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia delivered an ominous message to Ukrainians on Saturday, telling government leaders they might lose their statehood and likening the withering sanctions imposed on his country to a “declaration of war.”
“The current leadership needs to understand that if they continue doing what they are doing, they risk the future of Ukrainian statehood,” Mr. Putin said. He also said any third-party countries that tried to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be considered enemy combatants. Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has beseeched Western countries to declare such a no-fly zone.
Mr. Putin issued his threats as Ukrainians across the country continued to engage in defiant displays of patriotism, even in places that have been overtaken by the Russians. In Kherson, the first major city to fall to Russian troops, hundreds of protesters gathered in the central square at 10 a.m. on Saturday, many waving Ukrainian flags, according to video streamed live from the scene and verified by The New York Times. » |Marc Santora | Saturday, March 5, 2022
Un général russe de haut rang tué en Ukraine
LE FIGARO : Si elle était officiellement annoncée, la mort du général Sukhovetsky pourrait jouer fortement sur le moral de l'armée russe. L'armée ukrainienne a également annoncé avoir tué un général tchétchène.
Un général russe de haut-rang a été tué durant des combats en Ukraine, ce qui pourrait constituer une lourde perte pour Vladimir Poutine, rapporte The Independant , citant des sources locales militaires ukrainiennes et russes.
Andrei Sukhovetsky était le commandant général de la 7e Airborne division de Russie, et commandant en chef de la 41e Armée combinée. Il serait ainsi la figure russe militaire la plus importante tuée depuis le début du conflit, selon The Independant. » | Par Le Figaro | samedi 5 mars 2022
Zelenskiy Attacks Nato 'Weakness' for Refusing No-fly Zone over Ukraine
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has criticised Nato for refusing to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying the decision gave 'the green light for further bombing' of the country.
In an emotional nighttime address, he said: 'All the people who die from this day forward will also die because of you, because of your weakness, because of your lack of unity.'
Nato warned on Friday that imposing a no-fly zone could provoke full-fledged war in Europe with Russia.
Zelenskiy said Nato countries had created a narrative that a no-fly zone would provoke Russian aggression against Nato
I called for the exact same thing in my essay posted on March 1st. Read it here.
In an emotional nighttime address, he said: 'All the people who die from this day forward will also die because of you, because of your weakness, because of your lack of unity.'
Nato warned on Friday that imposing a no-fly zone could provoke full-fledged war in Europe with Russia.
Zelenskiy said Nato countries had created a narrative that a no-fly zone would provoke Russian aggression against Nato
I called for the exact same thing in my essay posted on March 1st. Read it here.
La Suisse, paradis perdu des milliardaires proches du Kremlin
LE FIGARO : DÉCRYPTAGE - La confédération helvétique est sortie de sa réserve habituelle en reprenant «l’intégralité» des sanctions économiques de l’UE contre la Russie au détriment des oligarques russes proches de Poutine.
«Nous avons franchi le pas et le Conseil fédéral le fait avec conviction, de manière réfléchie et sans équivoque» a déclaré lundi le ministre des Affaires étrangères suisses, Ignazio Cassis, à l’issue d’une session extraordinaire consacrée à la crise russo-ukrainienne à Berne. Ce pas, qualifié de «difficile» par celui qui est aussi le président en exercice de la Confédération, a consisté à reprendre intégralement les sanctions infligées par l’UE à la Russie.
Après quelques jours de tergiversations et un week-end de mobilisation de la population suisse, la position d’équilibriste helvète n’était plus tenable. «La neutralité, ce n’est pas se taire», avait tonné la présidente verte du Conseil national (Chambre basse), Irène Kälin, en ouvrant les débats parlementaires lundi matin. » | Par Marion Moussadek Emonot | Publié : jeudi 3 mars 2022 ; mis à jour : vendredi 4 mars 2022
Réservé aux abonnés
Russian Investment in Brexit and the Tories Now Paying Off
A Message from a Russian LGBT+ Activist
OPEN DEMOCRACY – OPINION: We can’t stop this war, started by our own government, but we can express our solidarity and support for Ukraine and all its people
‘Love is stronger than war’ reads the banner at a May Day demonstration in St Petersburg, 2014 | Andrey Pronin / ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo. All rights reserved
Working in human rights in Russia can give one a misleading sense of invincibility. Despite the dehumanising legislation and fact that the government sees enemies in its own citizens, human rights activists have learned to adapt and persevere. This is especially true for Russian LGBT+ activists, who grapple not only with legitimised state homophobia, but considerable social stigma. And yet nothing could have prepared us for what happened on the morning of 24 February, when our country invaded Ukraine.
Ironically, I had never felt more Russian than I did in that moment. The immediate reaction is to dissociate yourself from it. The government’s actions are appalling, violence is never the answer, and we, as the Russian people, obviously did not choose this. This is not our war. Right?
But it is impossible to escape the thought that, somehow, you have let the unforgivable happen right under your nose; that right now, on the other side of the Ukrainian border, people are fleeing their homes and fearing for their lives because of troops carrying your flag. The helplessness that comes with that realisation is too overwhelming to bear. Slogans, petitions and statements » | Diane Garshina | Friday, March 4, 2022
Working in human rights in Russia can give one a misleading sense of invincibility. Despite the dehumanising legislation and fact that the government sees enemies in its own citizens, human rights activists have learned to adapt and persevere. This is especially true for Russian LGBT+ activists, who grapple not only with legitimised state homophobia, but considerable social stigma. And yet nothing could have prepared us for what happened on the morning of 24 February, when our country invaded Ukraine.
Ironically, I had never felt more Russian than I did in that moment. The immediate reaction is to dissociate yourself from it. The government’s actions are appalling, violence is never the answer, and we, as the Russian people, obviously did not choose this. This is not our war. Right?
But it is impossible to escape the thought that, somehow, you have let the unforgivable happen right under your nose; that right now, on the other side of the Ukrainian border, people are fleeing their homes and fearing for their lives because of troops carrying your flag. The helplessness that comes with that realisation is too overwhelming to bear. Slogans, petitions and statements » | Diane Garshina | Friday, March 4, 2022
Michael Lambert: Patel Lets Desperate Ukrainians Know They Are Not Welcome in the UK
Mar 5, 2022 • Whilst the whole world looks on in horror at the terrible events happening in Ukraine, the UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, the daughter of immigrants, does everything possible to make it difficult for desperate refugees to come to the UK. Her first reaction was to make it clear that any refugees wanting to come to the UK would have to subject themselves to our new points-based immigration system involving lengthy bureaucracy including testing for English proficiency and general knowledge about the UK.
Whilst other countries all over Europe were abandoning all controls for these desperate people, Patel went to the Commons and announced that certain people might be permitted to come to the UK, but only if they could prove they had very close relatives in the UK. In the meantime, one of her ministers, Kevin Foster, announced that the refugees could apply to come to the UK to pick fruit!
Under Pate,l the government's immigration is in chaos. Following Brexit, whole families are coming to the UK from the Third World to replace individual former EU nurses, and others. Furthermore, money launderers operate with impunity and many others are able to employ workers for cash-in-hand and make no payments to the Pat-As-You-Earn scheme( PAYE) or make any National Insurance contributions (NIC.)
Applicants for asylum or British nationality are kept waiting for up to ten years or more whilst being told they are not permitted to work.
You can view Michael Lambert's earlier video on Priti Patel here.
Whilst other countries all over Europe were abandoning all controls for these desperate people, Patel went to the Commons and announced that certain people might be permitted to come to the UK, but only if they could prove they had very close relatives in the UK. In the meantime, one of her ministers, Kevin Foster, announced that the refugees could apply to come to the UK to pick fruit!
Under Pate,l the government's immigration is in chaos. Following Brexit, whole families are coming to the UK from the Third World to replace individual former EU nurses, and others. Furthermore, money launderers operate with impunity and many others are able to employ workers for cash-in-hand and make no payments to the Pat-As-You-Earn scheme( PAYE) or make any National Insurance contributions (NIC.)
Applicants for asylum or British nationality are kept waiting for up to ten years or more whilst being told they are not permitted to work.
You can view Michael Lambert's earlier video on Priti Patel here.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s Home Town’s Blunt Message: ‘Welcome to Hell, Russians’
THE TIMES: Ukrainians are ready to die for their country and their president
The blunt message was scrawled across a banner on a bridge over the entry road to Kryvyi Rih, the mining city whose most famous son, once a stand-up comedian, now leads his country in war. “Welcome to Hell, Russian Occupant”, it said.
As they toil in preparation for street battles with the Russian troops pushing northward, erecting barricades and digging trenches and tank traps, every man and woman here expresses their respect for President Zelensky and their readiness to fight for him. » | Anthony Loyd in Kryvyi Rih | Friday March 4, 2022
Enjoy unlimited digital access to The Times, free for one month. Check out the offer here.
The blunt message was scrawled across a banner on a bridge over the entry road to Kryvyi Rih, the mining city whose most famous son, once a stand-up comedian, now leads his country in war. “Welcome to Hell, Russian Occupant”, it said.
As they toil in preparation for street battles with the Russian troops pushing northward, erecting barricades and digging trenches and tank traps, every man and woman here expresses their respect for President Zelensky and their readiness to fight for him. » | Anthony Loyd in Kryvyi Rih | Friday March 4, 2022
Enjoy unlimited digital access to The Times, free for one month. Check out the offer here.
Friday, March 04, 2022
Von allen guten Geistern verlassen: Europas mächtigster Verleger schreibt den dritten Weltkrieg herbei
NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Die Nato müsse sofort militärisch in der Ukraine eingreifen, fordert Mathias Döpfner, der Vorstandschef von Axel Springer. Nur so könne man die freie Welt retten. Wehrhaft? Nein, Wahnsinn.
Es ist ein publizistisches Spiel nicht nur mit dem Feuer, sondern mit dem Weltenbrand. Europas mächtigster Verleger Mathias Döpfner hat den Westen vom Schreibtisch aus aufgefordert, direkt in der Ukraine einzugreifen: «Die Nato muss jetzt handeln», schreibt der Vorstandsvorsitzende von Axel Springer – und nimmt damit sehenden Auges in letzter Konsequenz den dritten Weltkrieg in Kauf. Im deutschsprachigen Journalismus dürfte er damit einen neuen Massstab für gutgemeinte Verantwortungslosigkeit gesetzt haben. » | Oliver Maksan, Berlin | Freitag, 4. März 2022
Today, Ukraine Is Israel: We Implore Jews across the World to Come to Our Aid
THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – BLOG: President Zelensky's chief of staff writes for Times of Israel: Just as the Jews fell victim to Nazis, Ukrainians are falling victim to Russia’s efforts to commit acts of genocide
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky posts a video of himself and his team outside the presidential headquarters in Kyiv on February 25, 2022. The author is behind him on the right. (Screen capture/Twitter)
Putin says he’s coming to “de-nazify” Ukraine. Ukraine, with the third-largest Jewish population in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world. Ukraine, with a Jewish President and formerly a Jewish Prime Minister. Ukraine – the only country that was once part of the Soviet Union that can make these claims.
The history of the Jewish people in Ukraine is not new. It goes back to the time of Kyivan Rus’ at the turn of the 10th century. These early Jews gave rise to Hasidic Judaism, which today is practiced across Europe and in Israel and the United States. Uman, a city in Cherkasy Oblast in central Ukraine, is a pilgrimage site for Breslov Hasidic Jews that regularly attracts throngs of tourists.
Despite the vibrancy of the Jewish community in Ukraine, history has not always been peaceful for Ukraine’s Jews. Jews have long been targeted in Ukraine, as elsewhere in Europe, culminating in the mass atrocities of the Holocaust. The site of the Babyn Yar memorial in Kyiv is dedicated to the hallowed ground that claimed more than 30 thousand Jewish souls murdered by the Nazis. » | Andriy Yermak * | Friday, March 4, 2022
* Andriy Yermak is head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine
Putin says he’s coming to “de-nazify” Ukraine. Ukraine, with the third-largest Jewish population in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world. Ukraine, with a Jewish President and formerly a Jewish Prime Minister. Ukraine – the only country that was once part of the Soviet Union that can make these claims.
The history of the Jewish people in Ukraine is not new. It goes back to the time of Kyivan Rus’ at the turn of the 10th century. These early Jews gave rise to Hasidic Judaism, which today is practiced across Europe and in Israel and the United States. Uman, a city in Cherkasy Oblast in central Ukraine, is a pilgrimage site for Breslov Hasidic Jews that regularly attracts throngs of tourists.
Despite the vibrancy of the Jewish community in Ukraine, history has not always been peaceful for Ukraine’s Jews. Jews have long been targeted in Ukraine, as elsewhere in Europe, culminating in the mass atrocities of the Holocaust. The site of the Babyn Yar memorial in Kyiv is dedicated to the hallowed ground that claimed more than 30 thousand Jewish souls murdered by the Nazis. » | Andriy Yermak * | Friday, March 4, 2022
* Andriy Yermak is head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine
Ein Bild, um Wlad wütend zu machen!
When Russians Preferred Kissing to Bombing!
Pariah Putin: Isolated and Angry? | To the Point
Mar 4, 2022 • Russian forces continue their advance on the Ukrainian capital Kiev and other key cities. The onslaught has had an unexpected side effect: Vladimir Putin’s war is uniting an often-divided world. In New York the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned the brutal onslaught. A slew of companies have closed down operations in Russia or divested themselves of Russian-related holdings elsewhere. With harsh sanctions in place, Joe Biden says Putin is more isolated than ever before.
Our guests: Jessica Berlin (Geopolitical Expert); Christoph von Marschall (Der Tagesspiegel); Roman Goncharenko (DW).
Our guests: Jessica Berlin (Geopolitical Expert); Christoph von Marschall (Der Tagesspiegel); Roman Goncharenko (DW).
Guerre en Ukraine : Volodymyr Zelensky craint « l’apocalypse » en Europe si le monde « ne parvient pas à stopper » Vladimir Poutine
LE MONDE : Le président ukrainien appelle les alliés de son pays à « fermer le ciel » ou à livrer à Kiev des avions de combat. Il se redit prêt à des négociations sans conditions avec Moscou.
Volodymyr Zelensky, en conférence de presse à la résidence présidentielle du palais Mariinsky, à Kiev, le 3 mars 2022. LAURENT VAN DER STOCKT POUR « LE MONDE »
Volodymyr Zelensky, ces jours-ci l’homme le plus menacé de la planète, sourit. « La vie est comme elle est. Je suis vivant et le sentiment d’être important pour d’autres, c’est bien. Le moral est bon, l’équipe travaille, personne n’est parti. » Le dirigeant ukrainien, dont la chute ou l’assassinat est l’un des objectifs de guerre de Moscou, reconnaît être « un être humain comme un autre, qui a envie de vivre ». « Je pense tout le temps à la vie de nos soldats. Je pense aux membres de ma famille. En revanche, en tant que président, je n’ai pas le droit d’avoir peur pour moi-même. »
M. Zelensky est « président de guerre » depuis une semaine lorsqu’il rencontre pour la première fois, jeudi 3 mars, un groupe de journalistes internationaux, dont Le Monde, pour une conférence de presse restreinte. Son équipe a aménagé une salle anonyme et bunkérisée dans une aile du palais Mariinsky, la présidence ukrainienne, dans le centre-ville de Kiev. Comme lorsqu’il diffuse chaque jour des messages vidéo à l’attention de ses compatriotes, M. Zelensky tient à mettre en scène un chef d’Etat au travail dans son lieu habituel, ce qui ne veut évidemment pas dire qu’il y travaille ou y vive en permanence. » | Par Rémy Ourdan (Kiev, envoyé spécial) | vendredi 4 mars 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
Volodymyr Zelensky, ces jours-ci l’homme le plus menacé de la planète, sourit. « La vie est comme elle est. Je suis vivant et le sentiment d’être important pour d’autres, c’est bien. Le moral est bon, l’équipe travaille, personne n’est parti. » Le dirigeant ukrainien, dont la chute ou l’assassinat est l’un des objectifs de guerre de Moscou, reconnaît être « un être humain comme un autre, qui a envie de vivre ». « Je pense tout le temps à la vie de nos soldats. Je pense aux membres de ma famille. En revanche, en tant que président, je n’ai pas le droit d’avoir peur pour moi-même. »
M. Zelensky est « président de guerre » depuis une semaine lorsqu’il rencontre pour la première fois, jeudi 3 mars, un groupe de journalistes internationaux, dont Le Monde, pour une conférence de presse restreinte. Son équipe a aménagé une salle anonyme et bunkérisée dans une aile du palais Mariinsky, la présidence ukrainienne, dans le centre-ville de Kiev. Comme lorsqu’il diffuse chaque jour des messages vidéo à l’attention de ses compatriotes, M. Zelensky tient à mettre en scène un chef d’Etat au travail dans son lieu habituel, ce qui ne veut évidemment pas dire qu’il y travaille ou y vive en permanence. » | Par Rémy Ourdan (Kiev, envoyé spécial) | vendredi 4 mars 2022
Article réservé aux abonnés
‘Enemy of Humankind’: Ex-Russian Oligarch Speaks Out about Putin
Tucker Carlson & Fox News' White Supremacy Crap Exposed
The Fox News Journalist Fact-checking Channel’s Pundits On Air over Ukraine
THE GUARDIAN: National security correspondent Jennifer Griffin has been brutally calling out the ‘distortions’ of Tucker Carlson and co
As Russia prepared to invade Ukraine, some hosts at the rightwing Fox News channel were passionately defending Vladimir Putin. Once Russian troops were in Ukraine, those same personalities, such as Tucker Carlson, swiftly began to blame Joe Biden for the invasion.
That will not have surprised regular viewers of Fox, but what has raised eyebrows is the way that the views of hosts such as Carlson, the crew at the morning show Fox & Friends, and the opinions of multiple Fox News guests have been corrected often in real time, by one of Fox News’ own journalists
Time and again over the past few days Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ national security correspondent, has taken to the airwaves to directly contradict the messages of her colleagues and their guests. With video » | Adam Gabbatt | Friday, March 4, 2022
Fox News: The channel that gives succour to Republicans in dire need of life support. Tucker Carlson: The pundit with a high-pitched, squeaky voice who delivers it. – Mark
As Russia prepared to invade Ukraine, some hosts at the rightwing Fox News channel were passionately defending Vladimir Putin. Once Russian troops were in Ukraine, those same personalities, such as Tucker Carlson, swiftly began to blame Joe Biden for the invasion.
That will not have surprised regular viewers of Fox, but what has raised eyebrows is the way that the views of hosts such as Carlson, the crew at the morning show Fox & Friends, and the opinions of multiple Fox News guests have been corrected often in real time, by one of Fox News’ own journalists
Time and again over the past few days Jennifer Griffin, Fox News’ national security correspondent, has taken to the airwaves to directly contradict the messages of her colleagues and their guests. With video » | Adam Gabbatt | Friday, March 4, 2022
Fox News: The channel that gives succour to Republicans in dire need of life support. Tucker Carlson: The pundit with a high-pitched, squeaky voice who delivers it. – Mark
Der Präsident im T-Shirt, der alle beschämt
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Die Video-Botschaften eines unrasierten Staatspräsidenten im T-Shirt sind schon jetzt ikonisch. Doch Wolodymyr Selenskyj beschämt nicht nur seinen Gegner Putin, sondern auch uns.
„This is just like television, only you can see much further”, sagt Peter Sellers mit einem wunderbar schillernden Satz in Hal Ashbys politischer Satire „Willkommen, Mr. Chance“ (1979). Der Film erzählt, wie ein Gärtner nach einem langen Leben, das er ausschließlich im Garten einer Villa in Washington verbracht hat, zum ersten Mal seine Umgebung erlebt. Zum Staunen ist das zynische Polit-Biotop Washingtons auch sonst. Doch gerade seine völlige Weltfremdheit erlaubt es Chancey Gardner, unbeschadet das Gestrüpp einer machtbesessenen Umgebung zu durchschreiten und am Ende zum US-Präsidenten aufzusteigen. Ein Amt, das er mit demselben milden Lächeln annimmt wie eine Tasse Tee.
Bis vor ein paar Monaten hätte man auch in Wolodymyr Selenskyjs Geschichte noch den Spin-off einer genialen amerikanischen Drehbuchidee sehen können. Nein, Ronald Reagan ist für den heutigen Präsidenten der Ukraine kein angemessener Vergleich; Reagan war acht Jahre lang Gouverneur von Kalifornien, bevor er nach dem höchsten Amt im Staate griff, er durfte in Ruhe lernen, wenngleich er aus dem Vorwurf des Schauspielerhaften schon früh Profit schlug. Von einem Journalisten 1966 ge¬fragt, wie er sich wohl an der Spitze des Bundesstaates Kalifornien behaupten werde, sagte der Hauptdarsteller des Schimpansen-Films „Bedtime for Bonzo“ gewitzt: „Keine Ahnung, einen Gouverneur habe ich noch nie gespielt.“ » | Von Paul Ingendaay, Europa-Korrespondent des Feuilletons in Berlin. | Freitag, 4. März 2022
Zur Zeit kann man die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung für 60 Tage kostenfrei testen. Danach bezahlen Sie 2,95 € die Woche. Ab 13. Monat, 4,95 € pro Woche. Das Abonnement ist mit einem Klick online kündbar. Um profitieren zu können, klicken Sie hier.
Guerre en Ukraine : Volodymyr Zelensky a survécu à trois tentatives d'assassinat, selon le Times
LE FIGARO : Le président ukrainien serait directement menacé par des troupes tchétchènes et des mercenaires du groupe Wagner, rapporte le quotidien britannique.
Alors que l'offensive russe s'abat sur Kiev, le président ukrainien a échappé à trois tentatives d'assassinat cette dernière semaine, selon une information du Times . Mué en chef de guerre, à la tête d'un pays qui défend son territoire pied à pied, Volodymyr Zelensky est devenu pour le Kremlin l'homme à abattre.
Deux groupes armés en auraient la mission. Premièrement, des Tchétchènes envoyés par Ramzan Kadyrov auraient été mandatés pour tuer le président ukrainien. Vêtus de noir et armés jusqu'aux dents, ces hommes que l'on appelle aussi les «kadyrovtsy», en hommage à la dévotion qu'ils portent à leur chef, sont près de 12.000 à avoir rejoint l'offensive pour la «dénazification» de l'Ukraine, selon l'expression de Vladimir Poutine. Une première tentative aurait été déjouée samedi dernier dans la banlieue de Kiev, avant qu'ils n'aient pu atteindre le président ukrainien. » | Par Marie-Liévine Michalik | vendredi 4 mars 2022
Comprendre la menace de l’arme nucléaire en 10 questions
LE MONDE : Dès le début de la guerre en Ukraine, Vladimir Poutine a brandi la menace nucléaire. Présentée habituellement comme une arme de dissuasion, son utilisation aurait des conséquences désastreuses.
Trois jours après le début de l’invasion de l’Ukraine, le président russe Vladimir Poutine a menacé de faire usage de l’arme nucléaire. A ce jour, neuf pays en sont dotés. Alors qu’elle est surtout considérée comme une arme de dissuasion, son utilisation dans un conflit généralisé aurait des conséquences désastreuses, non seulement pour l’humanité, mais aussi pour la vie sur Terre. En dix questions, nous vous livrons les principales clefs pour en comprendre les enjeux. » | Par Maxime Ferrer et Raphaëlle Aubert | vendredi 4 mars 2022
Related video.
Trois jours après le début de l’invasion de l’Ukraine, le président russe Vladimir Poutine a menacé de faire usage de l’arme nucléaire. A ce jour, neuf pays en sont dotés. Alors qu’elle est surtout considérée comme une arme de dissuasion, son utilisation dans un conflit généralisé aurait des conséquences désastreuses, non seulement pour l’humanité, mais aussi pour la vie sur Terre. En dix questions, nous vous livrons les principales clefs pour en comprendre les enjeux. » | Par Maxime Ferrer et Raphaëlle Aubert | vendredi 4 mars 2022
Related video.
The End of a Superpower - The Collapse of the Soviet Union | DW Documentary
Mar 3, 2022 • Russian President Vladimir Putin described the collapse of the Soviet Union as "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century." This documentary from 2021 shows the path Russian foreign policy has followed under Putin.
On December 25, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. Along with it came hope for the end of the Cold War, for independence and freedom for the former Soviet republics. But for many it also brought poverty and war. What remains of the dreams of that time? The documentary includes contemporary witnesses and politicians of the decisive years and shows what has become of the legacy of a world power.
[This documentary was originally released in 2021. In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.]
On December 25, 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. Along with it came hope for the end of the Cold War, for independence and freedom for the former Soviet republics. But for many it also brought poverty and war. What remains of the dreams of that time? The documentary includes contemporary witnesses and politicians of the decisive years and shows what has become of the legacy of a world power.
[This documentary was originally released in 2021. In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.]
Could Putin Really Start a Nuclear War? | The Economist
Biden Imposes Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs, 'Putin's Cronies'
BBC: The US has announced fresh sanctions on Russian oligarchs - the latest attempt to squeeze President Vladimir Putin as his invasion of Ukraine continues.
The new penalties will target members of the Russian elite, their families and close associates, cutting them off from the US financial system.
"The goal is to maximise the impact on Putin," US President Joe Biden said.
Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin's press secretary, is among those targeted in the latest blockade.
Mr Peskov, 54, is already sanctioned by the European Union, and now joins a list of eight oligarchs and nearly two dozen of their family members and associates whose assets in the US will be frozen, and have their American properties blocked from use. » | BBC | Thursday, March 3, 2022
Property of Russian elites could be handed to Ukrainian refugees, says Raab: Deputy PM defends response to invasion after criticism the government has acted too slowly over sanctions »
The new penalties will target members of the Russian elite, their families and close associates, cutting them off from the US financial system.
"The goal is to maximise the impact on Putin," US President Joe Biden said.
Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin's press secretary, is among those targeted in the latest blockade.
Mr Peskov, 54, is already sanctioned by the European Union, and now joins a list of eight oligarchs and nearly two dozen of their family members and associates whose assets in the US will be frozen, and have their American properties blocked from use. » | BBC | Thursday, March 3, 2022
Property of Russian elites could be handed to Ukrainian refugees, says Raab: Deputy PM defends response to invasion after criticism the government has acted too slowly over sanctions »
Russian Forces Take Control over Europe's Largest Nuclear Power Plant | DW News
Mar 4, 2022 • Russian forces have entered the site of Europe's largest nuclear power plant after a fire broke out there during Russian shelling. Ukrainian authorities say no radiation leaks have been detected.
Ukrainian authorities say Russian forces have taken control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the countries southeast. A fire broke out at one of the reactors at the site after Russian shelling overnight. "Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units," the regional authority said on social media. It added that it sought to ensure the operations were in line with safety requirements.
Russian authorities have moved to restrict access to a number of international media websites, including that of Deutsche Welle, that they accuse of providing false information about Russia's attack on Ukraine. Websites of the BBC, the independent news website Meduza and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were also "limited" following a request from prosecutors, according to Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor. Deutsche Welle has been able to confirm that access to its website from Russia has been blocked since early Friday morning, and that its services can be used only by employing a VPN or circumvention tool.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Berlin has requested the German government provide Kyiv with tanks and warships to face down a Russian invasion. Additional items on Ukraine's list of requests include infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, such as self-propelled howitzers, air defense systems, combat and support helicopters, reconnaissance and combat drones and transport aircraft. Ukraine's formal request to the Chancellery, the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry read in part, "In view of the extremely tense security situation because of the ongoing Russian aggression, the Ukrainian government is seeking that this request be processed and favorably reviewed as quickly as possible." The note adds Putin started a "war of annihilation" against Ukraine. Berlin reversed its defense and Russia policy of many decades seemingly overnight following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany has already provided 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles after initially promising just 5,000 helmets.
Ukrainian authorities say Russian forces have taken control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in the countries southeast. A fire broke out at one of the reactors at the site after Russian shelling overnight. "Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units," the regional authority said on social media. It added that it sought to ensure the operations were in line with safety requirements.
Russian authorities have moved to restrict access to a number of international media websites, including that of Deutsche Welle, that they accuse of providing false information about Russia's attack on Ukraine. Websites of the BBC, the independent news website Meduza and the Russian-language website of the US-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Svoboda, were also "limited" following a request from prosecutors, according to Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor. Deutsche Welle has been able to confirm that access to its website from Russia has been blocked since early Friday morning, and that its services can be used only by employing a VPN or circumvention tool.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Berlin has requested the German government provide Kyiv with tanks and warships to face down a Russian invasion. Additional items on Ukraine's list of requests include infantry fighting vehicles, artillery systems, such as self-propelled howitzers, air defense systems, combat and support helicopters, reconnaissance and combat drones and transport aircraft. Ukraine's formal request to the Chancellery, the Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry read in part, "In view of the extremely tense security situation because of the ongoing Russian aggression, the Ukrainian government is seeking that this request be processed and favorably reviewed as quickly as possible." The note adds Putin started a "war of annihilation" against Ukraine. Berlin reversed its defense and Russia policy of many decades seemingly overnight following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Germany has already provided 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles after initially promising just 5,000 helmets.
Last Vestiges of Russia’s Free Press Fall under Kremlin Pressure
THE NEW YORK TIMES: “Everything that’s not propaganda is being eliminated,” a Nobel Prize winning editor said as Russian authorities moved to control the narrative in the Ukraine war.
As President Vladimir V. Putin wages war against Ukraine, he is fighting a parallel battle on the home front, dismantling the last vestiges of a Russian free press.
On Thursday, the pillars of Russia’s independent broadcast media collapsed under pressure from the state. Echo of Moscow, the freewheeling radio station founded by Soviet dissidents in 1990 and that symbolized Russia’s new freedoms, was “liquidated” by its board. TV Rain, the youthful independent television station that calls itself “the optimistic channel” said it would suspend operations indefinitely.
And Dmitri A. Muratov, the journalist who shared the Nobel Peace Prize last year, said that his newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which survived the murders of six of its journalists, could be on the verge of shutting down as well.
“Everything that’s not propaganda is being eliminated,” Mr. Muratov said.
Precipitating the outlets’ demise were plans by the Russian Parliament to take up legislation on Friday that would make news considered “fakes” about Russia’s war in Ukraine punishable by yearslong prison terms. The Russian authorities have already made it clear that the very act of calling it a “war” — the Kremlin prefers the term “special military operation” — is considered disinformation. » | Anton Troianovski and Valeriya Safronova | Thursday, March 3, 2022
As President Vladimir V. Putin wages war against Ukraine, he is fighting a parallel battle on the home front, dismantling the last vestiges of a Russian free press.
On Thursday, the pillars of Russia’s independent broadcast media collapsed under pressure from the state. Echo of Moscow, the freewheeling radio station founded by Soviet dissidents in 1990 and that symbolized Russia’s new freedoms, was “liquidated” by its board. TV Rain, the youthful independent television station that calls itself “the optimistic channel” said it would suspend operations indefinitely.
And Dmitri A. Muratov, the journalist who shared the Nobel Peace Prize last year, said that his newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which survived the murders of six of its journalists, could be on the verge of shutting down as well.
“Everything that’s not propaganda is being eliminated,” Mr. Muratov said.
Precipitating the outlets’ demise were plans by the Russian Parliament to take up legislation on Friday that would make news considered “fakes” about Russia’s war in Ukraine punishable by yearslong prison terms. The Russian authorities have already made it clear that the very act of calling it a “war” — the Kremlin prefers the term “special military operation” — is considered disinformation. » | Anton Troianovski and Valeriya Safronova | Thursday, March 3, 2022
European Shares Tumble, Commodity Prices Soar
THE GUARDIAN: European shares are sliding deeper into the red, after Russian shelling at a Ukrainian nuclear plant – Europe’s shares, commodity prices, biggest nuclear power station – led to a fire that burned for several hours, before being extinguished. The reactors are fine, according to the Ukrainian authorities, but this illustrates the dangers to a nuclear plant in a military conflict and has caused deep unease at the International Atomic Energy Agency. » | Julia Kollewe | Friday, March 4, 2022
Thursday, March 03, 2022
Europe Must Be Totally United in These Desperately Difficult Times
The war in the Ukraine has shown all thinking people the importance of unity on our continent. Europe needs to be strong and powerful. This can only be achieved through unity.
Vladimir Putin has worked hard over the years to weaken the European Union. He wanted desperately for the United Kingdom to leave the Union, in order to weaken the EU and also to weaken the United Kingdom.
By leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom has been cut adrift from its moorings. Putin knew this would happen; so, he worked assiduously in the background to fund the Brexit referendum. How did he do this? By funding the Russian kleptocrats living in the UK, who have been allowed to infiltrate the corridors of power in Westminster. They have poisoned British politics, especially through their influence in the Conservative Party. One can but wonder how many Conservative politicians are actually lining their pockets with ill-gotten gains from the kleptocrats, with ill-gotten gains from the Kremlin!
Perhaps the start of the cancer metastasizing was Putin’s influence on the election of Trump as president of the USA. Clearly, Trump was Putin’s marionette; and were Trump to be re-elected—Heaven forfend!—the cancer will metastasize still further.
There is absolutely no doubt that Trump helped bring about Brexit. Wasn’t that, after all, what Putin wanted? Trump clearly did Putin’s bidding for him! The unsuspecting British electorate who had been lied to played along with it. They were taken in by the lies.
Even Boris Johnson himself has Russian blood and family connections; hence the given name Boris. What role does he play in all of this? One can but wonder.
Johnson loves to liken himself to Churchill. The current war in the Ukraine and the current crisis with Russia are heaven sent for him. If he really wishes to fulfil his Churchill moment, he should find a way of convincing the British electorate that we need to re-enter the European Union as full members. Such a move would strengthen the EU at a time when it needs all the strength it can muster; moreover, it would strengthen the United Kingdom, too.
This is your chance, Mr. Johnson. You’ve got the gift of the gab. Use it! Convince the electorate that they have made a grave error in choosing to leave the European Union.
This, Mr. Johnson, is the patriotic way forward. Everyone wants to join the European Union. No wonder! It’s a great institution! Even today, two more countries have put in their applications to join the Union Georgia and Moldova; and we all know that the Ukraine is desperate to be able to do so. We are the only country to mis-read the geopolitical situation by voting to leave the Union.
Show us all how great a man you can be, Mr. Johnson! Change course! Get us back into Europe! You know it makes sense!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Vladimir Putin has worked hard over the years to weaken the European Union. He wanted desperately for the United Kingdom to leave the Union, in order to weaken the EU and also to weaken the United Kingdom.
By leaving the European Union, the United Kingdom has been cut adrift from its moorings. Putin knew this would happen; so, he worked assiduously in the background to fund the Brexit referendum. How did he do this? By funding the Russian kleptocrats living in the UK, who have been allowed to infiltrate the corridors of power in Westminster. They have poisoned British politics, especially through their influence in the Conservative Party. One can but wonder how many Conservative politicians are actually lining their pockets with ill-gotten gains from the kleptocrats, with ill-gotten gains from the Kremlin!
Perhaps the start of the cancer metastasizing was Putin’s influence on the election of Trump as president of the USA. Clearly, Trump was Putin’s marionette; and were Trump to be re-elected—Heaven forfend!—the cancer will metastasize still further.
There is absolutely no doubt that Trump helped bring about Brexit. Wasn’t that, after all, what Putin wanted? Trump clearly did Putin’s bidding for him! The unsuspecting British electorate who had been lied to played along with it. They were taken in by the lies.
Even Boris Johnson himself has Russian blood and family connections; hence the given name Boris. What role does he play in all of this? One can but wonder.
Johnson loves to liken himself to Churchill. The current war in the Ukraine and the current crisis with Russia are heaven sent for him. If he really wishes to fulfil his Churchill moment, he should find a way of convincing the British electorate that we need to re-enter the European Union as full members. Such a move would strengthen the EU at a time when it needs all the strength it can muster; moreover, it would strengthen the United Kingdom, too.
This is your chance, Mr. Johnson. You’ve got the gift of the gab. Use it! Convince the electorate that they have made a grave error in choosing to leave the European Union.
This, Mr. Johnson, is the patriotic way forward. Everyone wants to join the European Union. No wonder! It’s a great institution! Even today, two more countries have put in their applications to join the Union Georgia and Moldova; and we all know that the Ukraine is desperate to be able to do so. We are the only country to mis-read the geopolitical situation by voting to leave the Union.
Show us all how great a man you can be, Mr. Johnson! Change course! Get us back into Europe! You know it makes sense!
© Mark Alexander
All Rights Reserved
Von der Leyen Pledges €1bn to Ukraine in Passionate Address: 'We Are United'
Mar 1, 2022 • President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen gave a passionate speech in European parliament in which she outlined the bloc's commitment to stopping Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
She announced that for the first time ever, they are using "the European budget to purchase and deliver military equipment to a country that is under attack." The EU will also give "up to €500 million" in aid to Ukraine to deal with the "humanitarian consequences" inflicted upon Ukraine by Russia.
Long live Europe! Es lebe Europa! Vive l’Europe ! – Mark
She announced that for the first time ever, they are using "the European budget to purchase and deliver military equipment to a country that is under attack." The EU will also give "up to €500 million" in aid to Ukraine to deal with the "humanitarian consequences" inflicted upon Ukraine by Russia.
Long live Europe! Es lebe Europa! Vive l’Europe ! – Mark
History Demands the West Deploy Every Legal and Financial Weapon against Putin
THE GUARDIAN – OPINION: His regime and all those complicit in war crimes must be held accountable – starting now. Ukrainians are fighting for their lives
An anti-war protest in St Petersburg, 1 March 2022. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
When Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked, criminal invasion of Ukraine, he shot himself in one foot. When he threatened to use nuclear weapons, he blew off the other. His regime has chosen a path of self-liquidation. The only question is how much damage it will do before its demise.
Ukraine, of course, is now the main target of Putin’s barbarism. I salute the bravery of the Ukrainian people and their leadership. Ukraine, an independent sovereign democracy, is not a part of Russia; but, as is the case for many Russians, Ukraine is a part of me. My grandfather, killed defending Moscow from fascist invaders in 1941, was from Zhytomyr in Ukraine. Today the invaders attacking his homeland are Russian. My grandmother was from Kharkiv. When I see the bombing of her city, it rips my heart in two – my motherland bombing the land of my grandmother.
Putin’s war of aggression is a crime against Ukraine and a crime against humanity. But it is also a crime against the Russian people. The regime starves Russians of information and feeds them lies. It tells them this is not a war but a “military operation”. It tells them we are fighting “Nazis and drug addicts”, even as its bombs drop on the site of Babyn Yar. While Putin’s forces bombard innocent Ukrainian civilians, we need to bombard Russians with the truth. When the news breaks through that Russian boys are being sent to their deaths in their thousands to murder our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, then the regime’s position becomes untenable. » | Mikhail Khodorkovsky * | Tuesday, March 3, 2022
* Mikhail Khodorkovsky is founder of the Open Russia movement, former Yukos CEO and Amnesty prisoner of conscience
When Vladimir Putin launched his unprovoked, criminal invasion of Ukraine, he shot himself in one foot. When he threatened to use nuclear weapons, he blew off the other. His regime has chosen a path of self-liquidation. The only question is how much damage it will do before its demise.
Ukraine, of course, is now the main target of Putin’s barbarism. I salute the bravery of the Ukrainian people and their leadership. Ukraine, an independent sovereign democracy, is not a part of Russia; but, as is the case for many Russians, Ukraine is a part of me. My grandfather, killed defending Moscow from fascist invaders in 1941, was from Zhytomyr in Ukraine. Today the invaders attacking his homeland are Russian. My grandmother was from Kharkiv. When I see the bombing of her city, it rips my heart in two – my motherland bombing the land of my grandmother.
Putin’s war of aggression is a crime against Ukraine and a crime against humanity. But it is also a crime against the Russian people. The regime starves Russians of information and feeds them lies. It tells them this is not a war but a “military operation”. It tells them we are fighting “Nazis and drug addicts”, even as its bombs drop on the site of Babyn Yar. While Putin’s forces bombard innocent Ukrainian civilians, we need to bombard Russians with the truth. When the news breaks through that Russian boys are being sent to their deaths in their thousands to murder our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, then the regime’s position becomes untenable. » | Mikhail Khodorkovsky * | Tuesday, March 3, 2022
* Mikhail Khodorkovsky is founder of the Open Russia movement, former Yukos CEO and Amnesty prisoner of conscience
Wednesday, March 02, 2022
Ist Wlad wirklich recht bei Trost?
Warum sprechen wir über Putin als ob er zurechnungsfähig ist? Sind seine Taten in der Ukraine nicht ein Zeichen dafür, daß dieser Mann psychisch gestört ist? Ist es nicht höchste Zeit, daß wir uns eine einfache Frage stellen: Hat Demenz eingesetzt? Ist dieser Mann in der Tat recht bei Trost?
© Mark Alexander
Alle Rechte vorbehalten
© Mark Alexander
Alle Rechte vorbehalten
Der ungerechte Krieg
Der Krieg, der gegen die Ukraine und die Ukrainer momentan geführt wird, ist sowohl beunruhigend als auch kriminell. Putin ist eindeutig ebenso böse wie unausgeglichen.
Daß ein Präsident irgendeines Landes einen solchen Krieg gegen unschuldige Menschen wie die Ukrainer führen kann, ist für einen normalen Menschen wirklich schwer vorstellbar. Die Schwierigkeiten, die dieser Krieg für die Menschen in Ukraine geschaffen hat – für junge Leute, alte Leute und Kinder – sind einfach unglaublich. Zu sagen, daß Putin ein herzloser Mensch ist, ist in der Tat eine Untertreibung.
Harte Sanktionen gegen Putins Regime sind gut und notwendig; aber genug sind sie einfach nicht. Es ist auch gut und notwendig, den Ukrainern Waffen zu liefern, damit sie ihre eigenen Schlachten gegen die Russen führen können. Aber auch hier reicht die Hilfe nicht aus. Die Ukrainer kämpfen nicht nur ums Überleben ihres eigenen Landes; sie kämpfen auch fürs Überleben der liberalen Demokratie des Westens. Erwarten wir wirklich, daß die Ukrainer unseren Überlebenskampf unseretwegen führen? Ist das der christliche Weg? Ist das der mitfühlende Weg nach vorn? Ist dies der vernünftige Weg vorwärts?
Wer glaubt, daß Putin mit dem Einmarsch in die Ukraine aufhören wird, ist wirklich einfältig und lebt wirklich in naiver Hoffnung. Nachdem Putin die russische Kontrolle über die Ukraine erlangt hat, wird er sein nächstes Ziel ins Visier nehmen. Wo wird das sein? Einer der baltischen Staaten oder einer der anderen ehemaligen Satellitenstaaten der ehemaligen UdSSR?
Wir im Westen müssen unsere Strategie überdenken. Mir ist klar, und es sollte allen klar sein, daß es besser wäre, diesen Wahnsinn frühzeitig ein Ende zu setzen, als zu warten, bis das Problem außer Kontrolle gerät. Andernfalls werden wir uns innerhalb kürzester Zeit in einem Krieg mit Russland wiederfinden werden, dessen Kosten für uns alle unerträglich sein werden.
Es wäre besser, wenn wir jetzt uns mit der Situation abfinden würden. Je früher desto besser. So schwer, daß dies für uns alle werden wird.
Ich sollte hinzufügen, dass die beste Führung in der heutigen Zeit von der Uktraine selbst kommt: Präsident Volodymyr Selenskyj ist eine Lehrstunde für alle unserer Führer im Westen. Er hat diese Krise vorbildlich gemeistert. Er ist ein wahrer Held!
© Mark Alexander
Alle Rechte vorbehalten
Daß ein Präsident irgendeines Landes einen solchen Krieg gegen unschuldige Menschen wie die Ukrainer führen kann, ist für einen normalen Menschen wirklich schwer vorstellbar. Die Schwierigkeiten, die dieser Krieg für die Menschen in Ukraine geschaffen hat – für junge Leute, alte Leute und Kinder – sind einfach unglaublich. Zu sagen, daß Putin ein herzloser Mensch ist, ist in der Tat eine Untertreibung.
Harte Sanktionen gegen Putins Regime sind gut und notwendig; aber genug sind sie einfach nicht. Es ist auch gut und notwendig, den Ukrainern Waffen zu liefern, damit sie ihre eigenen Schlachten gegen die Russen führen können. Aber auch hier reicht die Hilfe nicht aus. Die Ukrainer kämpfen nicht nur ums Überleben ihres eigenen Landes; sie kämpfen auch fürs Überleben der liberalen Demokratie des Westens. Erwarten wir wirklich, daß die Ukrainer unseren Überlebenskampf unseretwegen führen? Ist das der christliche Weg? Ist das der mitfühlende Weg nach vorn? Ist dies der vernünftige Weg vorwärts?
Wer glaubt, daß Putin mit dem Einmarsch in die Ukraine aufhören wird, ist wirklich einfältig und lebt wirklich in naiver Hoffnung. Nachdem Putin die russische Kontrolle über die Ukraine erlangt hat, wird er sein nächstes Ziel ins Visier nehmen. Wo wird das sein? Einer der baltischen Staaten oder einer der anderen ehemaligen Satellitenstaaten der ehemaligen UdSSR?
Wir im Westen müssen unsere Strategie überdenken. Mir ist klar, und es sollte allen klar sein, daß es besser wäre, diesen Wahnsinn frühzeitig ein Ende zu setzen, als zu warten, bis das Problem außer Kontrolle gerät. Andernfalls werden wir uns innerhalb kürzester Zeit in einem Krieg mit Russland wiederfinden werden, dessen Kosten für uns alle unerträglich sein werden.
Es wäre besser, wenn wir jetzt uns mit der Situation abfinden würden. Je früher desto besser. So schwer, daß dies für uns alle werden wird.
Ich sollte hinzufügen, dass die beste Führung in der heutigen Zeit von der Uktraine selbst kommt: Präsident Volodymyr Selenskyj ist eine Lehrstunde für alle unserer Führer im Westen. Er hat diese Krise vorbildlich gemeistert. Er ist ein wahrer Held!
© Mark Alexander
Alle Rechte vorbehalten
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