#the bravery of Ukrainians is incredible

[aradiyatoys]

Recently, I’ve been rewatching my older videos that I made while I was thinking of returning to designing in August 2022. Those times were really depressing and desperate, but even in that mood, creativity can emerge. It resulted in Friendy Lesia 👩🏼 and her Unbreakable Rooster, symbolizing the incredible resistance and bravery of the people of Ukraine. I won’t talk into what is happening now, you’ll hear enough from the news. But right now, the only thing I wish for is for the free world to stop turning its back on us.

Happy weekend, dear friends!

Crochet pattern for amigurumi doll Friendy Lesia with Unbreakable Rooster is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Danish and Ukrainian here -> https://etsy.me/3SPSp7Q 💛💙

[vacate-et-scire]

HIYA !!!! I saw your match up event and thought that i have never done on before so i might as well give it a try, i think i accidentally gave little stories so you can base me off them :))

i am a sagittarius, my mbti is ENFJ, I do have ADHD which i think does show its self in my personality, I am a major extrovert ( the kind where i can befriend someone in minutes ) , at my school i am one of the popular but not in the mean way i am the person everyone relies on to talk to them, i always act brave so that other can be brave too ( like i go first in school injections to show everyone there is nothing to be afraid of ), i have always been described as a kind and bubbly person, i go to an international school and normally the international students only hang out with other international students and native students only hang out with other native students but because i hate this divide i make sure to hangout with everyone, for stuff like secret santa i went around seeing who everyone got and because i know everyone and what they like i gave everyone ideas for their secret santa’s so that no one would be upset when getting their gift back because their person did not know them that well/ got them something rubbish, my magic talent would be the fact that i can easily make friends with introverts ( we have this girl in my form who is from Ukraine she is a massive introvert she doesn’t like people at all but our form teacher finds it adorable that my extroverted self and her introverted self are the best of friends (she describes us a chalk and cheese)), i have always been someone who sticks up for other because of my personality i have learnt that if other are mean to me so be it but i know other maybe lack the ability to defend themselves so i help do it for them, I LOVE LAUFEY she is my favourite artist and my life achievement is that i got waved at by her in her concert.

Your Blue Lock Matchup: Chigiri Hyoma

Chigiri Hyoma. He’s the perfect balance to your extroverted, bubbly personality. While Chigiri can be reserved and cautious around new people, your warmth and openness would effortlessly draw him out of his shell. You’d be the vibrant energy he didn’t know he needed, and in turn, he’d bring a quiet strength and loyalty that complements your outgoing nature.

Your bravery and kindness would deeply resonate with Chigiri. The way you step up to go first for school injections or bridge divides between different groups of people? He’d admire that courage and selflessness. Chigiri knows what it feels like to face adversity—his injury and the fear of losing his dreams shaped him into someone who values resilience and authenticity. Seeing you stand up for others and handle challenges with such grace would inspire him to be braver in his own life.

Chigiri would adore your ability to connect with people, especially introverts. He’s someone who values meaningful relationships over surface-level interactions, and your knack for making even the shyest people feel comfortable would make him fall for you even more. Your story about befriending the introverted Ukrainian girl? That’s exactly the kind of thing that would make him smile and think, "She’s incredible."

Chigiri isn’t as naturally social as you, and there might be times when he feels a little overwhelmed by your extroverted lifestyle. While he’d love that you’re everyone’s go-to person, he might struggle with feeling like he’s competing for your attention in larger social settings. You’d need to reassure him that, no matter how many people rely on you, he holds a special and irreplaceable place in your heart.

On the flip side, Chigiri’s caution might occasionally clash with your adventurous streak. As a Sagittarius, your natural inclination is to dive headfirst into things, while Chigiri tends to overthink and play it safe. This could lead to moments where you feel like he’s holding back, but it’s also an opportunity for you to encourage him to take risks and remind him that it’s okay to embrace spontaneity.

At his core, Chigiri is someone who values loyalty, kindness, and perseverance, and that aligns perfectly with who you are. You’d bring out the best in each other.

[sophie-e-b]

Rachel Riley is the co-host and face of maths on Countdown and a self-confessed 'proper maths geek'. When I went on countdown’s dictionary corner, I was so impressed by Rachel’s arithmetic! So fast - it’s a joy to watch.

Rachel and I first met me 10 years ago when we were both on Strictly together. When we chatted recently we touched on those rollercoaster competition weeks, and the mild PTSD which Rachel experienced afterwards. However she also said she got some good things out of it, namely her lovely husband, Pasha and their two children.

Last month Rachel picked up her MBE for services to Holocaust Education. She also told me about the vitriolic trolling that she suffered during her campaign against antisemitism, which coincided with the birth of her first daughter. Rachel’s bravery is incredible. It’s one thing to see something you think is unjust but so brilliant to do something about it, even in the face of adversity.

She and her husband are bringing up their two little daughters to speak both English and Russian, with a little Ukrainian added into the mix.

Listen now: http://smarturl.it/spinningplates

[cyberbenb]

Ukrainian military denies reports of encirclement in Velyka Novosilka

The intense battle for the settlement of Velyka Novosilka in the Donbas region rages on. Ukrainian fighters report that Russian forces are halted due to the Mokri Yaly River, which has become a significant obstacle to their advance

In Velyka Novosilka, located in the Donetsk region, which is currently a flashpoint of heavy fighting, there is reportedly no threat of encirclement of Ukrainian units, according to soldiers from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade. "Let us emphasize, there is no threat of our units being encircled. Our defenders fight with incredible bravery," the Brigade’s press service reports.

The soldiers revealed that Russian troops, bolstered by large infantry contingents, attempted to block Ukrainian strongholds. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces saw a halt in mechanized advances, as anything nearing within a kilometer of the frontline has been eliminated.

According to military sources, while there is approximate parity in artillery and FPV drones, Russian forces hold a significant numerical advantage in infantry. "We've managed to inflict significant damage and continue to do so," the Brigade reports. Using weather conditions strategically, Ukrainian units successfully maneuvered out of potential encirclement zones. "This does not imply a full withdrawal from the city — the battle for Velyka Novosilka carries on."

The aim remains to minimize casualties while maximizing enemy losses, the 110th Brigade reported. Presently, Russian advances have been stalled by the Mokri Yaly River. Entrapped in a fiery crossfire within the city, any movement by Russian troops is swiftly counteracted. The settlement reportedly has no intact buildings remaining, according to brigade reports.

DeepState analysts report that Russian units have reached the center of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region.

On January 23, DeepState noted the capture of Novovasylivka in the Donetsk region, resulting in significant Ukrainian losses, albeit with even greater losses on the Russian side.

[alexanderrekeda1]

Narratives of Resistance: Stories from Ukrainian Soldiers

In the heart of Eastern Europe, a conflict has been raging that has profoundly impacted millions of lives. The war in Ukraine, which began in 2014 and escalated in 2022, is not just a geopolitical struggle; it's a fight for national identity, sovereignty, and survival. The Ukrainian soldiers who stand on the front lines of this battle represent more than a military force—they are symbols of resilience, defiance, and hope. Their stories of courage and resistance have captured the world's attention, providing a human perspective on a war that often feels distant and abstract. Through their narratives, we gain insight into the profound sacrifices and unwavering spirit of those fighting to defend their homeland.

From Ordinary Lives to Extraordinary Valor

Many Ukrainian soldiers fighting today were not professional soldiers before the war. They were teachers, farmers, students, and business owners—ordinary people living ordinary lives. When the war escalated in 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion, many civilians found themselves thrust into a new role: defender of the nation.

Serhiy, a 35-year-old accountant from Kyiv, never thought he would be holding a rifle, defending his city from advancing troops. "Before the war, my life was spreadsheets and numbers," he recalls. "Now, I'm part of a team defending our streets and homes. It's surreal, but it feels like what I was meant to do. This is my home, my country. I couldn't just stand by."

Brotherhood on the Battlefield

As in all wars, camaraderie plays a vital role in the survival of soldiers. On the front lines, Ukrainian soldiers have formed deep bonds that transcend the horror and chaos of combat. These relationships, built on trust and shared experiences, become a source of strength for many soldiers facing unimaginable challenges.

This sense of brotherhood provides emotional and psychological support in the face of relentless hardship. Many soldiers describe how their comrades help them cope with the fear, exhaustion, and loss that have become daily realities on the battlefield. The relationships formed in the heat of war offer a lifeline to soldiers, reminding them of the humanity they are fighting to preserve.

The Heavy Psychological Toll

The war in Ukraine has exacted a heavy psychological toll on its soldiers. The trauma of combat, the loss of friends, and the destruction of homes and communities leave deep emotional scars. For many soldiers, the mental battles they face are as daunting as the physical ones.

Viktor, a 29-year-old soldier from Mariupol, shares the psychological toll that the war has taken on him. "The fighting is intense, but what haunts me is the silence afterward. The memories of those who didn't make it. The destruction. It's hard to escape those thoughts.

Stories of Heroism and Sacrifice

In the midst of destruction, Ukrainian soldiers have emerged with stories of incredible heroism. These acts of bravery, often performed under extreme duress, have inspired not only their comrades but also people around the world.

One such story is that of Dmytro, a young lieutenant who led his unit in a fierce battle to defend a small town in the Donetsk region. Despite being outnumbered and low on supplies, Dmytro's unit held its ground for over 48 hours, allowing civilians to evacuate to safety. "We knew what was at stake," Dmytro recalls. It wasn't just about holding a position—it was about protecting people.

The Fight for Ukraine's Future

For Ukrainian soldiers, this war is not just about the present—it's about securing a future for the generations to come. The fight for Ukraine's sovereignty is deeply intertwined with the fight for its cultural identity, its democracy, and its place in the world. Soldiers understand that their resistance is part of a larger struggle for Ukraine's right to determine its destiny.

Kateryna, a soldier from Odesa, speaks about the war's broader implications. "This is about more than just borders. It's about our future as a free people. We're fighting for the right to exist as Ukrainians, to speak our language, and to live in peace. That's why we won't give up.

A Legacy of Resistance

The narratives of Ukrainian soldiers are stories of extraordinary resilience, sacrifice, and hope. They offer a human perspective on a war that has brought devastation but also revealed the strength of the Ukrainian people. These soldiers, many of whom were once civilians, have become symbols of a nation's determination to resist aggression and defend its right to exist.

As the war continues, the stories of these soldiers will endure as a testament to the power of resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Their courage, sacrifices, and unyielding spirit will be remembered as part of the legacy of Ukraine's fight for freedom, a fight that has captured the attention and admiration of the world.

[inflammatory]

My Repin propaganda:

It’s actually a nice detail that this matchup was posted today considering it’s Ukraine’s independence day; [1] for context (that I regrettably didn’t add when I submitted), the Cossacks composed the “reply” in question to the Sultan Mehmed IV’s demand that they surrender, despite the fact that the Cossacks had just wiped out the entirety of one of the Sultan’s Janissary forces. [2]

So, in high spirits from victory, the leaders of the Cossacks got together and co-wrote a vulgar letter to tell him to sod off, which is the subject that Repin chose to paint. The detail is enough to keep you absorbed for ages:

The dog in the lower left corner disgruntled at all the noise, the Cossack in a white coat turned away to assess newcomers, from the main version alone. The blue of the distant horizon is so beautiful it wounds me. It’s in harmony with the smoke from their pipes and cigars (and a vessel that I can’t really identify).

If you read the Wikipedia page, there’s a very charming compilation of all the models with their bios. For example, the man penning the letter is Dmytro Yavornytsky, the historian and archaeologist who helped Repin depict the scene with historical accuracy. There’s a man he chanced upon at Alexandrovsk pier and captured studies of, and Kuznetsov the battle painter, and Glinka’s nephew, and the man with a “makitra” bowl cut, beside the serious man in yellow — who Repin never saw in real life. He was a student who had to leave the Academy of Arts because of his illness. They took a gypsum mask of his face and Repin referred to it. While they were taking the mask the young man smiled, and left a smile in the gypsum, a smile that carried all the way to Repin’s Reply. [3]

He also made several versions apart from the main one above, which I think should be accounted for; Repin’s process itself is the masterwork to me. Many drafts stand as whole works on their own, as they’re all complete with stunning grounding detail:

From a preliminary sketch [4] that is just as lovely. Repin is incredible at capturing fine human emotions (as evinced in the sublime horror of Ivan the Terrible and his Son Ivan), and he is just so good at laughter. You can almost feel the laughter from all the way deep in the man’s chest, or feel it wrack the second man until he’s wheezing.

From [2]: “That Zaporozhian legacy is very much alive today. Modern Ukrainians accord their Zaporozhian forebears pride of place in the nation’s history and culture. It’s a heritage which helps to explain how - right now, in the face of overwhelming odds - Ukrainian people up and down the country are displaying an almost inconceivable bravery on the battlefield.”

Dewar’s piece on the painting details virtually all the historical background you could want, with the gore and tragedy that you might not get from Repin’s painting. But despite the distance between now and the 1600s, the message of independence is very relevant:

A reenactment by Ukrainian soldiers. [5] Vote Repin!! Happy Ukrainian Independence!!!

[1] Åslund, A. (2009). How Ukraine Became a Market Economy and Democracy, Peterson Institute for International Economics, ISBN 978-0-88132-427-3 (page 185)

[2] Dewar, A. (2022). Ukraine’s Zaporozhian Cossacks.

[3] Wikipedia. (n.d.). Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks, Models. Accessed 24 August 2023.

[4] Repin, I. (1880-1890). Sketch for Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks. Place: Tretyakov Gallery.

[5] u/thewyspa (2022). Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks. In r/ukraine. Can’t find a more original source so Reddit will have to do. Accessed 24 August 2023.

SET FOURTEEN - ROUND ONE - MATCH SEVEN

"Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks" (1880–1891 - Ilya Repin) / "Garden of Earthly Delights" (1490-1510 - Hieronymus Bosch)

REPLY OF THE ZAPOROZHIAN COSSACKS: Uuuuuuooo I’m pretty sure somebody has submitted the world famous Repin with the fella holding his dead son, and yeah that one is truly harrowing and I think it should be in the final bracket cause it would sweep but Repin has such a range and it’s all very deeply felt and sensitive stuff. For this one he did a couple of versions - you could pick either because they’re both rich in a really immediate sense of humanity. Again on the technical side this is a truly bonkers piece of work because he stitched its elements together from countless studies of people he knew and the result is still somehow a Realist masterpiece rather than the patchwork amalgamation you’d expect.

And each figure isn’t just irresistibly human - he gives all of them so much tangible warmth (the riotous laughter! The attention paid to detail in their clothes! The irritated dog in the bottom left corner) and the fact that theyre all his friends and colleagues is really charming. Dunno if its like “molten lava” kind of evocation of emotion but it certainly makes me feel something. ( @idiotpalespiral )

GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS: think it's one of the greatest odes to human imagination and it's insane that it was painted around 1500. it's hard to overstate how innovate and unique bosch's art is. besides, he probably hadn't even ever taken acid in his life, so i don't know how he did that (@cuties-in-codices)

(The "Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks" is an oil on canvas painting by Ukranian born Russian artist Ilya Repin. A large number of the "Cossacks" are modelled after either friends of Repin or people he saw around him, including the bald head belonging to the Grand Chamberlain of the court of the Russian Emperor who declined to be added and Repin painted in anyway. This painting measures 203 cm × 358 cm (80 in × 141 in) and is located at the State Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg. The submitter originally submitted the preliminary version of the piece.

"The Garden of Earthly Delights" is a triptych oil painting by Hieronymus Bosch. It measures 205.5 cm × 384.9 cm (81 in × 152 in) and is located in the Museo del Prado, Madrid.)

[eowyntheavenger]

Musicians of the Kyiv-Classic Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Herman Makarenko perform, during an open-air concert named "Free Sky" at the Independence Square in central Kyiv, Ukraine March 9, 2022. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

Orchestra plays national anthem in central Kyiv as Russians advance

KYIV, March 9 (Reuters) - On a Kyiv square where recent popular uprisings have scuppered Moscow's ambitions in Ukraine, an orchestra assembled before a small crowd on Wednesday to play the national anthem as Russian forces advanced on the city.

The Kyiv-Classic Symphony Orchestra also performed an excerpt from Beethoven's "Ode to Joy", on which the European Union's anthem is based - a nod to the Ukraine government's desire to move closer to Europe and away from Russia's orbit.

Dozens of people gathered to watch on the central Maidan Square, some waving Ukrainian flags. They applauded when the national anthem was finished and a woman cried out "To Ukraine!"

The lyrics of the anthem include the lines, "Ukraine has not yet perished.... our enemies will vanish like dew in the sun."

Conductor Herman Makarenko told reporters that the concert was a call for peace.

"We would like to support our president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who called, calls and will call to all governments of the world (to) stop the war in Ukraine."

He said he managed to gather around 20 musicians for the performance, instead of 65-70 who normally make up the ensemble.

Wednesday's concert was held on the vast square where thousands of Ukrainian protesters set up a tent city in 2013 and 2014 to oppose then-President Viktor Yanukovich's shock decision to suspend talks with the EU and revive ties with Moscow.

Read full article.

[nikoshi9]

The AFU 🇺🇦 have liberated the city of Balakliya today, Kharkiv Region!

You have no idea how happy I am.

This is the kind of news to Ukrainians that’s hard to describe in words. I’m in tears as I am typing this!

So much pride for how far our country, our army has come, how much bravery and courage is exhibited on the frontline. Also notable the incredible help we’re getting from the International Legion there.

I have faith that one day I will see the 🇺🇦 flag over my home-city center as well.

Glory to Ukraine and it’s Warriors! ���💛💙💛💙💛

P.s. Look at the people from the occupied Kharkiv region greeting the UA soldiers today. Look at the old man standing on his knees as he waves happily at them. I am speechless 💔

[totallyhussein-blog]

When “all the gates of compassion seemed to have been closed”, what is to be done?

Winner of seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, Schindler’s List is the incredible true story which follows the enigmatic Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust.

It is the triumph of one man who made a difference and the drama of those who survived one of the darkest chapters in human history because of what he did. Schindler’s List is a powerful story whose lessons of courage and faith continue to inspire generations.

Following the Nazi invasion of Poland, Oskar Schindler, a German Catholic industrialist, moved to Kraków and assumed responsibility for the operation of two formerly Jewish-owned manufacturers of enamel kitchenware. He then established his own enamelworks in Zabłocie, outside Kraków. That factory became a haven for about nine hundred Jewish workers, providing them relief from the brutality of the Płaszów labor camp nearby.

In October 1944 Schindler was granted permission to relocate his defunct enamelworks to Brünnlitz, Czechoslovakia—this time as an armaments factory—and to take with him the Jewish workers from Zabłocie. He succeeded in transferring to Brünnlitz approximately eight hundred Jewish men from the Gross-Rosen camp and three hundred Jewish women from Auschwitz, ensuring their humane treatment and, ultimately, saving their lives.

In 1962, Yad Vashem awarded Schindler the title “Righteous Among the Nations” in recognition of his humanitarian contribution, and in 1993, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council posthumously presented to him the Museum’s Medal of Remembrance. This medal, rarely presented, is intended to honor deserving recipients for extraordinary deeds during the Holocaust and in the cause of Remembrance. Emilie Schindler accepted the medal on behalf of her husband at a ceremony in the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance.

The Płaszów camp was established in 1942 under the authority of the SS and police leaders in Krakow. It was initially a forced-labor camp for Jews. The original site of the camp included two Jewish cemeteries. From time to time the SS enlarged the camp. It reached its maximum size in 1944, the same year that it became a concentration camp. Until that time, most of the camp guards were Ukrainian police auxiliaries chosen from among Soviet soldiers in German prisoner-of-war camps and trained at the Trawniki training camp in Lublin.

The German industrialist Oskar Schindler established an enamelware factory in Krakow, adjacent to Płaszów. He attempted to protect his Jewish workers, some 900 people, from abuse in Płaszów and from deportation to killing centers. When he moved the factory and his Jewish work force to the Sudetenland in 1944, he prevented the deportation of more than 1,000 Jews.

It soon became clear that her marriage would have both its passions and its betrayals. Yet Emilie stayed with Oskar through his growing involvement with the Nazis, working for counterintelligence with him. She first, then he later, came to realize the costs of the Nazi takeover and became witnesses to its terrors.

Through their work together at their two factories, saving the Jews became paramount for the Schindlers. Emilie nursed the Jewish factory workers when they fell ill, often saving their lives. She risked imprisonment or worse for her activities in the black market to feed them.

Where Light and Shadow Meet chronicles the Schindlers' flight after the war, the loss of almost all their possessions, and their eventual emigration to Argentina. There they settled on a farm, but barely scraped together an existence. Oskar returned to Germany, leaving Emilie to manage on her own. This is the story of one woman's daily acts of bravery during Hitler's reign and why it mattered.

[topmechokeme]

Just because you’re from Russia does not mean you are a bad person. You are not your government, you are not your military, and you said yourself you have sacrificed your own safety in opposing the war in Ukraine. You are incredibly brave. I am so proud of you, and as an American, I am inspired by many Russians’ bravery in opposition to this war. I love you and I love this blog. You’re doing just fine.

thank you, oh god thank you, it's so hard to speak about this topic publicly for so many reasons, i feel so incredibly anxious, not thinking too straight right now.

it's just... so many terrible things have been done by russians since february 24th, unimaginable, unforgivable things, and now many ukrainians feel intense hatred towards all russians (even my ukrainian cousin got a bit hostile). they have a really good reason to, and, like, if it helps them get through this even a tiny bit - i'm absolutely fine with being hated. they deserve this comfort. so i kinda got used to the thought of being unwelcome just because i'm russian and decided that i'll just try to be as good of a person i can and won't pretend to be the victim here because i'm not.

thank you so much for supporting me. this all is very hard but i'm really happy that there are people who care about me. like, i'm trying to be all tough (and i am tough when it matters) but i feel like i'm falling apart from the horror of it all pretty regularly, so i value all the love i can get here so fucking much

[deborahdeshoftim5779]

60 Minutes spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the war in Ukraine. The full 60 minute version is also available on YouTube. In this clip, Zelenskyy discusses the resistance of the Ukrainian people, his reasons for refusing to flee Ukraine, and the atrocities committed by Russian soldiers in Bucha, among other topics. Needless to say, Zelenskyy has shown incredible bravery when many people were expecting Ukraine to fall. Instead, Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands. 

Of course, the war has now entered a new phase. Forced to flee from around Kyiv, the Russian army has yet again turned on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city. Mariupol remains under bombardment, with deaths potentially in the tens of thousands. The fact that Mariupol has still not fallen to Russia is incredible, but the cost of life has been far too high. Russian forces are expected to try and seize the Donbas region (Donetsk and Luhansk). Odesa remains under attack. 

And let us not forget that Crimea was stolen from Ukraine in February 2014, remaining occupied by Russians to this day. Crimean Tatars have been locked up and tortured by Russia’s FSB forces for refusing to accept Putin’s invasion and fraudulent referendum.

Zelenskyy makes it clear that Ukraine is not only fighting for Ukrainian freedom but the freedom of other democratic European nations. Ukraine stands between Putin and Poland, Lithuania, and other nations which he thinks he can steal to recreate his empire. 

Putin is afraid of democracy and prosperity in eastern Europe, as this threatens his regime. Ukrainian protests in particular have had echoes in Russia. In December 2013, Putin faced enormous protests at home around the same time that Ukrainians were protesting against former President Viktor Yanukovych. Putin was so afraid of Russians copying the Ukrainian Maidan that he sent police to viciously beat any Russians attempting to protest.

So it is not just Ukrainian national identity and the Ukrainian language which scare Putin. Ukrainian democracy represents the total rejection of his regime. As Ukraine becomes more free, reduces corruption, and turns towards the West, Putin’s Russia will become weaker, poorer, and more isolated. This is why Putin is desperate to seize Ukrainian land; he needs to prop up his regime, as well as fulfill his delusions about restoring Russia’s pride and strength. 

Western leaders must send Ukraine all the weapons that Zelenskyy has requested so as to defeat Russian forces in the east and stop this evil war. 

Glory to Ukraine! 

[tonya-the-chicken]

1) Hello. Just wanted to say that all of those people which tried to bash Ukraine for "progressive" reasons are incredibly stupid. I am Muslim from North Caucasus, our lands were conquered by Russian Empire in the most brutal way, thousands were forced to move to Turkey. We had multiple rebellions against Soviets, all were violently supressed, thousands faced repressions and some again run to Turkey. Later several entire ethnic groups including mine were deported to Central Asia.

2) After we were allowed to return from Asia we still faced discrimination. Later Chechnya happened. Later so called "war on terror" happened when absolutely innocent people were framed as "jihadists" and were killed in their own houses. Kadyrov's horrendous regime which exists because it is supported by Moscow while Russian liberals were pretending that Kadyrov is bad just because he is Muslim Chechen. Corrupted North Caucasian governments which are supported by Moscow.

3)Double standarts how some "leftists" try to cherrypick examples of racism in Ukraine but same people believe that there was no racism in USSR or that there are no neo-nazis in Russia. Double standarts how some people fo no reason try to compare Ukraine's struggles with Muslim countries and ignore that there are Ukrainian Muslims too. Double standarts how no one listens to post-soviet people even though same people claim to care about minorities.

4) Ukraine fights for being independent free country. Ukraine doesnt want be another pro-russian colonial estate with corrupted goverment backed by Kremlin. Thats whats important. I hope your freedom and your bravery will become example for us too...

Thank you for writing this! Let's hope that Kadyrov and Putin's regimes will fall soon. No one has to live under tyranny. I am too young to remember Chechen wars but just reading about them makes my blood boil. Putin is a monster from the very beginning of his ruling up to now and must be defeated

It's hard for me to see people forgetting about Muslims in Ukraine especially Crimean Tatars because after all Russians have done to them they deserve more attention. I am feeling very sorry for them and regret Ukraine not doing more for them before the occupation

Ukraine will prevail ✊ Glory to Ukraine! Free Ichkeria!

[bountyofbeads]

Here is a detailed account of how Sondland snared Pompeo, why he must testify and be impeached if not resign.

If Pompeo doesn’t testify, he should be impeached

By Jennifer Rubin, Opinion writer | Published November 20, 2019 at 2:52 p.m. ET | Washington Post | Posted November 20, 2019 |

U.S. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland implicated numerous senior officials and President Trump in a plan to extort Ukraine: No White House meeting until the Ukrainians announced an investigation into nonexistent dirt on former vice president Joe Biden. (The announcement was vital for political purposes; Trump could have cared less if any corruption was going on.) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to Sondland, played a key role in the plot and in obstruction of Congress. As such, Pompeo needs to appear as a witness or face impeachment himself.

Sondland made clear he was no rogue actor in the Ukraine plot, something we already knew from other witnesses and from the July 25 phone conversation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In the call, Trump specifically mentions the Bidens, Burisma and the 2016 election (a reference to the repeatedly debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, interfered with the election). Pompeo was on that call and therefore understood the link between the White House visit and Trump’s political demands.

Here is what else we know about Pompeo’s involvement:

A text from William B. Taylor Jr. Jr. dated July 10 reflected that “S” (Secretary Pompeo) directed him to talk to Rudolph W. Giuliani about Ukraine.

In an email dated July 19 sent to Pompeo and a raft of senior officials, Sondland said that he had briefed Zelensky for the July 25 call and needed to “turn over every stone,” a reference to the Burisma and 2016 investigations, the same investigations Trump spoke about on the July 25 call, adding in Biden’s name.

Sondland on Aug. 11 sent an email to Pompeo’s counselor and a top aide, Lisa Kenna, stating he had helped draft a statement that would guarantee the “deliverables” need to have a big news conference; Kenna said she would pass it on to Pompeo, which in the absence of his testimony we must assume he read.

On Aug. 22, Sondland emailed Pompeo directly talking about a way to alleviate the “logjam” (the aid holdup). Pompeo said yes. Pompeo approved the plan and not unsurprisingly, “Sondland testified that because Pompeo listened in on the July 25 call between Trump and Zelensky, he would know that the ‘issues of importance to Potus’ were the investigations into 2016 and Burisma.”

The Post further summarizes:

Emails from Aug. 11 and Aug. 22 show not only that Sondland was updating Pompeo on his activities, but that the secretary was approving the plans to get Zelenksy to commit to the politically charged investigations.

In the Aug. 22 email, Sondland said he hoped that Zelensky could meet Trump in Warsaw, and that he would encourage Zelensky “to look him in the eye” and tell him that by mid-September he “should be able to move forward and with confidence on those issues of importance to Potus and the US.”

“Hopefully that will break the logjam,” he added. ... Sondland said he was referring to the 2016 and Burisma investigations — exactly what he had been referencing earlier that month, on Aug. 9, when he told then-Ukraine envoy Kurt Volker over texts that Trump “really wants the deliverable.”

In sum, Pompeo is complicit. Moreover, he now refuses to testify or produce documents, which likely will complete the picture of what he knew and when he knew it. He is obstructing Congress’s investigation, and even refusing to recuse himself from the matter.

Former Justice Department spokesman Matt Miller tells me: “The bill of particulars that have emerged about Pompeo’s involvement are incredibly damning. At the minimum, he knew about the scheme and did nothing to stop it while allowing the president to attack and run roughshod over his people.” Miller continues, “He should be up on the Hill testifying tomorrow, but we know he won’t because if he had to start telling the truth, rather than bullying and blowing off reporters, his answers would be damning to himself and the president.”

Former prosecutor Joyce White Vance agrees. “Sondland puts Pompeo right in the middle of Trump’s bribery scheme,” she says. ”And, Pompeo, who listened in on the July 25 call, knew what was at stake — Trump was forcing Zelensky to announce an investigation into the Bidens that was politically valuable to Trump’s 2020 campaign.” She makes a key point: “Pompeo, top of his class at West Point and a graduate of Harvard Law, knew it was wrong. But he hasn’t had the courage to come forward with the bravery of a [Marie] Yovanovitch or a [Lt. Col. Alexander] Vindman.”

“The Sondland testimony puts Pompeo (as well as Trump, of course) squarely inside impeachment territory — and, under a normal Justice Department, in indictment territory as well,” says constitutional scholar Laurence Tribe. “There is no [Office of Legal Counsel] memo suggesting that a sitting secretary of state is immune from indictment and prosecution, and this one was deeply engaged, if Sondland is to be believed, in a conspiracy to commit bribery and extortion, to violate federal election law against foreign interference, and to obstruct justice, including obstructing congressional investigations.” (He also notes that Energy Secretary Rick Perry "is implicated as well. And [Giuliani] is up to his eyebrows in indictable federal felonies.”)

The House Intelligence Committee should make a criminal referral, subpoena Pompeo for testimony and proceed with impeachment proceedings if he doesn’t comply. The message to future secretaries of state must be that they must not participate in illegal schemes and that their oath is to the Constitution, not a president.

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5 takeaways from Gordon Sondland’s blockbuster testimony

By Aaron Blake | Published November 20 at 2:13 PM ET | Washington Post | Posted November 20, 2019 |

The most anticipated — and potentially most important — witness in the House’s impeachment inquiry is testifying Wednesday. Ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland is the figure closest to President Trump to take the stand, and in his opening statement, he directly connected Trump to the Ukraine quid pro quo.

Below are some key takeaways from his opening statement and testimony. We’ll add more throughout the hearing.

1. CONNECTING THIS TO THE PRESIDENT

Pretty much every witness to date has said there was something unholy about asking Ukraine to launch specific investigations, including one involving former vice president Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. But none of them has testified to the idea that Trump actually wanted the U.S. aid or a White House meeting to be conditioned upon those investigations.

In his opening statement, though, Sondland walked right up to the line, if he didn’t cross it.

“... [Trump attorney Rudolph W.] Giuliani’s requests were a quid pro quo for arranging a White House visit for President Zelensky,” he said. “Mr. Giuliani demanded that Ukraine make a public statement announcing investigations of the 2016 election/DNC server and Burisma. Mr. Giuliani was expressing the desires of the president of the United States, and we knew that these investigations were important to the president.”

At another point, Sondland said explicitly that special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker told him this was the case. Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) asked, “So, Mr. Volker told you that [Giuliani] was expressing the desires of the president of the United States?” Sondland responded, “Correct.”

Sondland also repeatedly said “everyone knew it” when asked about the quid pro quos — as if to emphasize that this was hardly a secret.

Sondland did stop short of saying he had direct knowledge of this being Trump’s desire, though. In a tense exchange with Rep. Michael R. Turner (R-Ohio), Sondland eventually admitted he was connecting some dots:

TURNER: No one on this planet told you that Donald Trump was tying this aid to the investigation? Because if your answer is yes, then the chairman is wrong. And the headline on CNN is wrong. No one on this planet told you that President Trump was tying aid to investigations. Yes or no?

SONDLAND: Yes.

TURNER: So you really have no testimony today that ties President Trump to a scheme to withhold aid from Ukraine in exchange for these investigations.

SONDLAND: Other than my own presumption.

It’s tempting to say Sondland is implicating Trump. That’s not completely the case; he seems to still be walking a fine line about what he knew and could prove and what was plainly apparent to him and others. But he seems to be saying this was something that Trump blessed, which is significant.

2. POINTING FINGERS AND NAMING NAMES — INCLUDING POMPEO, MULVANEY AND PENCE

Whether Sondland is directly fingering Trump is up for debate. But he’s clearly pointing fingers. He said “everyone” was aware of the quid pro quo, and he indicated that includes acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Vice President Pence.

He said Pompeo had instructed him to work with Giuliani as late as Sept. 24 — which is notably after the whistleblower situation exploded into public view. He added later that Pompeo directed him about how to ease what Sondland described as a “logjam” with Ukraine. “Secretary Pompeo essentially gave me the green light to brief President Zelensky about making those announcements,” Sondland said.

He also passed along this text exchange with Mulvaney from July 19, six days before Trump’s call with Zelensky:

[Sondland said:] “I Talked to Zelensky just now … He is prepared to receive Potus’ call. Will assure him that he intends to run a fully transparent investigation and will ‘turn over every stone’. He would greatly appreciate a call before Sunday so that he can put out some media about a ‘friendly and productive call’ (no details) before Ukraine election on Sunday.” Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney responded: “I asked NSC to set it up for tomorrow.”

That implicates Mulvaney in these efforts even more. Witnesses had previously said Sondland indicated that he had coordinated the quid pro quo with Mulvaney, who is Trump’s top White House aide.

He was asked later more specifically if both Mulvaney and Pompeo were aware of the quid pro quo, and he responded “correct” for both.

A State Department spokeswoman, Morgan Ortagus, responded: “Gordon Sonland never told Secretary Pompeo that he believed the President was linking aid to investigations of political opponents. Any suggestion to the contrary is flat out false.”

Lastly, he indicated that he conveyed “concerns” about a quid pro quo to Pence before Sept. 1 meetings in Warsaw.

“I mentioned to Vice President Pence before the meetings with the Ukrainians that I had concerns that the delay in aid had become tied to the issue of investigations,” Sondland said. He added later in his testimony that Pence “nodded that he heard what I said.”

Pence’s office denied Sondland’s account. Chief of staff Marc Short said, “This alleged discussion recalled by Ambassador Sondland never happened.”

Sondland also said repeatedly in his opening statement that the State Department and the White House didn’t allow him access to the things he needed to provide accurate previous testimony — hence the inconsistencies and the clarifications, apparently. He brought this up repeatedly, especially when questioning from GOP counsel Stephen Castor turned more hostile.

Sondland doesn’t sound at all happy that he’s in this spot and seems to believe the administration and Giuliani put him in it. And it wasn’t just Trump he was prepared to rope into all this.

3. A BREAKUP IN THE ‘THREE AMIGOS’

Pence’s office wasn’t the only one taking exception to Sondland’s testimony; so did one of Sondland’s fellow “three amigos.”

Sondland said in his opening statement that Energy Secretary Rick Perry and the other member of the “three amigos” who spearheaded the Ukraine effort, special envoy Kurt Volker, handled initial communications with Giuliani after Trump told them to “talk to Rudy” on May 23.

“Secretary Perry volunteered to make the initial calls with Mr. Giuliani, given their prior relationship,” Sondland said. “Ambassador Volker made several of the early calls and generally informed us of what was discussed.”

The Energy Department issued a statement disputing that.

“Ambassador Sondland’s testimony today misrepresented both Secretary Perry’s interaction with Rudy Giuliani and direction the secretary received from President Trump,” it said. “As previously stated, Secretary Perry spoke to Rudy Giuliani only once at the president’s request. No one else was on that call. At no point before, during or after that phone call did the words ‘Biden’ or ‘Burisma’ ever come up in the presence of Secretary Perry.”

By the end of the hearing, members were noting that the amigos had been pulled apart.

“I lost my amigos?” Sondland joked, to laughter.

4. TRUMP TEAM DIDN’T CARE ABOUT ACTUAL INVESTIGATIONS, JUST ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sondland further undermined the idea that Trump truly cared about corruption in Ukraine, saying that he wasn’t under the impression that there was ever actually a desire for investigations — just announcements of them.

“He had to announce the investigations,” Sondland said of Zelensky. “He didn’t actually have to do them, as I understood it.”

That indicates this was all about the headlines created by the announcement, and not the actual substance of the evidence.

He was pressed on this later, but was a bit cagey. He said he never heard “anyone say that the investigations had to start or had to be completed. The only thing I heard from Mr. Giuliani or otherwise was that they had to be announced in some form. And that form kept changing."

Sondland added: “The way it was expressed to me was that the Ukrainians had a long history of committing to things privately and then never following through.”

This is merely the latest piece of evidence contradicting the idea that Trump was worried about corruption in Ukraine. Giuliani’s own public comments indicated this was a political effort aimed at helping Trump. Second, Trump himself hasn’t shown an interest in any investigations besides ones that involve the United States and his political interests. And third, an aide in Ukraine, David Holmes, testified last week that Sondland had told him Trump didn’t “give a s---” about Ukraine and only wanted the investigations.

Despite this extensive evidence, the idea that this was actually about corruption has remained a GOP talking point.

5. ‘TALK TO RUDY’ WAS A DIRECTIVE FROM TRUMP

Related to Takeaways No. 1 and 3 is this: Sondland believed Trump urging them to talk to Giuliani was a directive — which isn’t quite how Volker testified about it.

In his testimony Tuesday, Volker was asked about Trump’s May 23 order that he, Sondland and Perry were to “talk to Rudy,” and he suggested it wasn’t a direct order.

“I didn’t take it as an instruction, I want to be clear about that,” Volker said, adding: “You know, when we were giving him our assessment about President Zelensky and where Ukraine is headed, he said, ‘That’s not what I hear. I hear terrible things; he’s got terrible people around him. Talk to Rudy.' And I understood in that context, him just saying, that’s where he hears it from. I didn’t take it as an instruction.

Volker said it was just “part of the dialogue.”

But Sondland is clear on this point: It was an directive.

“In response to our persistent efforts to change his views, President Trump directed us to ‘talk with Rudy,’ ” Sondland said. “We understood that ‘talk with Rudy’ meant talk with Mr. Rudolph W. Giuliani, the president’s personal lawyer.”

Castor tried to poke holes in that, urging Sondland to say it wasn’t actually an order. Sondland, though, made clear he viewed it as necessary if they were to get what they wanted out of a relationship with Ukraine.

“Our conclusion, and the conclusion of the three of us, was that if we did not talk to Rudy, nothing would move forward on Ukraine,” he said.

That doesn’t exactly make this sound optional. And it again connects this whole effort to Trump — in a way Volker declined to.

Sondland also, notably, disagreed with Volker’s testimomy that he wasn’t aware of quid pro quos.

“I strongly disagree with that portion of his testimony," Sondland said. "It was absolutely a requirement.”

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[chronicallyillvetstudent]

I’m going to be honest, my faith in humanity was absolutely shot after covid. But, After the solidarity and absolutely incredible bravery that I have seen these past few days, I am overwhelmed with hope and awe of people, especially the Ukrainians. ❤️

Ukraine, 26th Feb, 2022

A friend of mine told me yesterday that he didn’t realise how much Ukraine meant to him until now. I posted yesterday about the time we spent there, and we’re all getting super pre-occupied about the invasion. As I said in that post, I can’t get our waitress out of my head. I can sort of remember what she looked like now. She had an undercut. I think maybe her hair might have been blue? But - I will never know if she lives through this, and it’s driving me very slightly mad.

So naturally, my husband spent all day yesterday obsessively researching everything he could about it with the help of his journalist friends, as a way to help me process it.

This post is me putting it all in order, as a way to try and process my own emotional response as much as anything else (I freely admit there is an element of self-indulgence here). Please don’t take me as the spokesperson for Ukraine right now, nor as a solid reliable news source. But, I haven’t seen this stuff except in bits and pieces on Tumblr, so here we go.

(This is also not about why the invasion has happened. This post is solely about what has happened, and how the invasion is going.)

So, Putin and the rest of the world believed that this invasion would take 1-4 days. The plan was to push through fast, take Kyiv, and force Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian President, to surrender. Given Russia’s military might, it really looked likely.

Here is the conclusion of all that’s happened so far:

Ukraine is absolutely nailing this??? Actually???

They managed to defend every single city overnight, including Kyiv. They started rolling out and using these WW2-style anti-tank thingies that look a bit like angry gabbions, look, here’s a picture of one being delivered:

A bunch of spare iron girders turned into a hefty octopus of Russian misery, basically.

But it’s not just tanks they’re taking down, oh no. Ukraine successfully shot down a transport plane 20km from Kyiv. That is, I shit you not, the single biggest hit to the Russian military since the Second Chechen War. Volunteers from Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Azerbaijan and Israel are all entering Ukraine to help fight and bolster the anti-Russian forces, which is probably illustrative of how Eurovision voting is going to run for the next decade. Most countries have banned Russian planes from their air space. To help stop the Russian advance, Ukraine has made and installed new road signs, like this one:

I can only say a handful of sentences in Ukrainian, Tumblrs, but as I understand it, from top to bottom, it says:

“Fuck off”

“Fuck off again”

“Fuck off Russia”

Meanwhile, it turns out the Russian military might we feared is… possibly not quite as advertised?

They’re underfunded and badly trained. Ukraine captured 200 soldiers in one go, and most of them were confused 19 year olds with no training. The equipment is shite. The tanks keep running out of fuel. Russian soldiers keep abandoning their tanks and handing them over to the Ukrainian army. Putin’s plan was to take Kyiv fast and move on, and he didn’t have a plan B - hence these kids, playing soldier. Here is an image of a Russian tank receiving roadside assistance from Russia’s finest, an old Lada.  

No one expected Zelenskyy to survive the night; but he did. America offered him asylum in the White House.

But he said no. 

Zelenskyy remains in Kyiv, with his people.

And Putin, in his desperation to be adored, has turned Zelenskyy into a global icon and hero.

Here is something you may not know about Volodymyr Zelenskyy - he used to be a standup comedian. Was he any good? No idea - but what he IS good at is producing funny short videos he can put on Twitter and that, which are absolutely fantastic for Ukrainian morale. And morale is vital in an invasion like this, and Ukraine are smashing it out of the park there.

They are utilising the internet to its fullest extent. In addition to Zelenskyy’s videos, they’ve made sure that the final words of the Ukrainian defenders of Snake Island are known and now echoed around the world: “Russian warship, go fuck yourselves.” A video has gone viral of Ukrainians mocking a group of Russian soldiers whose tank had broken down and who didn’t know the way to Kyiv anyway, presumably because of all the new road signs. They have created a website that lists every single Russian death they can identify, partly so Russian mothers can have closure (thus also painting themselves as the defenders of decency and humanity), and partly for the enormous morale boost of the world knowing, categorically, that they’ve already killed 3700 Russian soldiers (over 100 of which were from that transport plane.)  Not one word has leaked of Ukrainian casualties. I’m sure they’re devastating, but for morale purposes, they’re being kept quiet until the dust settles. Ukrainians have started setting up fake Tindr profiles to catfish Russian soldiers for intel, and they’re all 19 and lost, so it’s working. Plus, they’re using Grindr to actually track where the soldiers are, because it turns out Putin was not entirely correct about there being no gays in Russia.

So, Russia wants to cut their internet access. Can the Ukrainian Minister for Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, shame a billionaire into providing aid?

This is crucial, remember. Atrocities happen best in the dark, and the world is watching - because of the internet. Morale is vital to maintain. Can they convince Elon Musk to help?

Yep.

Ukraine now has the fastest internet service in the world. The fastest, most stable internet service in human history, in fact. Russia cannot now disable it. The world watches.

Which is just as well, because then Anonymous decided to get involved, and have leaked the website database of the Russian Ministry of Defence. Lol. Also this happens:

And then the Russian propaganda channels started broadcasting the truth of what is happening in Ukraine. Double lol.

So what is the political response?

Well, in addition to closing airspace to Russian planes, loads of countries are sending weapons to Ukraine. Those that can’t are offering asylum. They’re also offering asylum to any Russian soldiers who surrender or defect, which is startlingly good tactics, and there are rumours of around 5000 Russian soldiers who have done just that. Germany, of course, has long had a block on lethal weapons transfer; but Germany recognise this shit for what it is. They’ve lifted the block, thus allowing the Netherlands to send weapons. Efforts are now underway to fast-track Ukraine into the EU. I presume they will consider the lack of pint glasses with crowns on to be a worthwhile price to pay.

So what about Russia’s supporters?

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenka helped Russia with this invasion. Now, this has happened:

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was actually elected president, but some wild nonsense kept her out of power. She’s now running a government in exile. I have literally no idea what this means or will mean! But my god. She has a spine of steel, and this is not a good time to be happening for Putin. 

And it’s really, really not, because then intel on a meeting of Putin and assembled Oligarchs LEAKS (hello Anonymous, probably). The highlights:

This war is costing Russia $15bn a day

He expected it to take ONE TO FOUR DAYS TO WIN

It’s been two days and he is losing very badly, currently

They will run out of rockets by day 4, maybe sooner

After that they will be down to rifles and ammo

It will take 3-4 months to make more significant weapons, except they need raw materials, and the countries that can provide them… have cut supply lines

If the war lasts 10 days, Russia will have completely run out of money and weapons

It’s only day 2, and Russian soldiers are knocking the doors of random Ukrainian homes begging for food and water because they’ve already run out

So, out of desperation, Putin turns to his greatest, closest and most trusted ally for help: Kazakhstan. 

And Kazakhstan

SAYS NO

And then Ukraine shoots down a second Russian plane.

Anyway, I’m going to finish off with a final point. Morale is vital in this situation, so here is the message from the Ukrainian government at the minute, to everyone watching around the world:

Be VERY SUSPICIOUS of any negative news about Ukraine. Russia uses misinformation and propaganda. They will want to damage Ukrainian morale.

Use your social media to spread news of Ukrainian victories. 

Don’t give oxygen to negative stories. Especially since they might not be true.

That’s genuinely something we can do to help. Every victory of Ukraine, blast it far and wide. So on that note, I’ll leave you with this:

Congrats to Natalia Antonova’s cousin’s son.

[cyberbenb]

The People’s Army: What is Ukraine’s Territorial Defence Role in War?

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian people have displayed incredible bravery and resilience, preventing the Russian invaders from executing their “blitzkrieg” plan. The Terri Source : ukraineworld.org/articles/…

[sounmashnews]

[ad_1] US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on September 8. (Genya Savilov/Pool/AFP/Getty Images)US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has departed Kyiv after his unannounced go to on Thursday, the place he stated the continued counteroffensive was “proving effective.”The prime US diplomat additionally stated “it would be hard to imagine” that Russia’s so-called filtration operations, which have forcibly deported a whole lot of hundreds of Ukrainians, could be doable with out the route of Russian President Vladimir Putin.During a gathering with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Blinken credited the success of the counteroffensive to the “incredible bravery, resilience of Ukrainians,” and stated the US was “so pleased to have been able to support your efforts.”“Fundamentally, what this comes down, I think the reason for this success is this is your homeland, not Russia’s. And it’s as basic as that,” the highest US diplomat stated whereas seated throughout from Zelensky. Speaking to the press earlier than departing town by practice, Blinken stated he received “a comprehensive update on the on the counter offensive.“Again, it's very early, but we're seeing clear and real progress on the ground, particularly in the area around Kherson, but also some interesting developments in the Donbass, in the east, but again, early days,” he stated.Blinken stated he spent about two hours with Zelensky and his group, and referred to as it “a very productive and in many ways meaningful day.” In addition to assembly with Zelensky and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, he visited US Embassy, toured a youngsters’s hospital and went Irpin, the place he noticed first-hand the devastation wrought from the Russian occupation of the suburb of Kyiv.The prime US diplomat informed the press he “was able to bear witness to horrific attacks on houses, on buildings, clearly belonging to civilians, where the shelling, the missiles, the bullets, it's all there. And at best, it's indiscriminate. At worst, it's intentional. And I was able to talk to people doing remarkable work in compiling evidence of war crimes and atrocities and also those responsible for the city who are working to rebuild it,” he stated.Ukrainian forces regained management of Irpin in late March, however the metropolis was left in ruins. Damage was nonetheless seen as the highest US diplomat toured part of town, guided by Deputy Mayor Dmytro Nehresha, in line with press accompanying Blinken.Blinken was informed that 95% of town was evacuated at one level, however a overwhelming majority – about 78% — have returned, and it's receiving internally displaced individuals from Kherson. [ad_2] Source link