Why do so many not trust Mr Putin? He is ex-KGB allegedly and he still wants to impose his influence on the countries that once formed the USSR. I'd like to believe his motives in Ukraine are honorable but I struggle with this.
Although the recent ceasefire is mostly holding, there is heavy fighting in the disputed Debaltseve region. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31511926 .
UPDATE 1045z 18.2.15: See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31519000 . It appears Ukraine has admitted defeat in Debaltseve.
Showing posts with label ukraine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ukraine. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 February 2015
Saturday, 14 February 2015
Ukraine's fragile peace
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31463007 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31470645 .
The president of Ukraine is worried that the peace deal may not hold. It will require some trust and faith by both sides. Such moves are never easy, but peace is so much better than war.
I have no idea who is the real aggressor in this: clearly the Russian's are acting suspiciously. At the same time some in the Russian speaking east want closer ties with Russia. A fair peace deal needs to ensure the will of all the people is respected.
Already it is estimated that around 5400 people have died as a result of the conflict.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31470645 .
The president of Ukraine is worried that the peace deal may not hold. It will require some trust and faith by both sides. Such moves are never easy, but peace is so much better than war.
I have no idea who is the real aggressor in this: clearly the Russian's are acting suspiciously. At the same time some in the Russian speaking east want closer ties with Russia. A fair peace deal needs to ensure the will of all the people is respected.
Already it is estimated that around 5400 people have died as a result of the conflict.
Thursday, 12 February 2015
Ukraine ceasefire
Has the bear won? After marathon peace talks about the conflict in East Ukraine, a ceasefire is agreed. I hope this is a fair and just outcome and not Russia being a bully to its, ex USSR, neighbour. Putin comes over as a bully, although I am sure the western press may be biased against him.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812
and the Russian side? See http://rt.com/news/ .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31435812
and the Russian side? See http://rt.com/news/ .
Saturday, 7 February 2015
Ukraine peace?
So far, this conflict has claimed at least 5400 lives. Lives simply wasted. The latest peace suggestions by France and Germany seem to have been largely rejected in Moscow.
Clearly some of the Russian speaking parts near the Russian border would prefer to be part of Russia. Surely some sort of agreement along these lines will be the basis for peace in the end? A lot of this is posturing. The Russians claim they are not directly involved. Many in Ukraine are looking to Europe for their future. Compromse has to be sought.
The sooner all sides see sense the better for all.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31185027 .
Clearly some of the Russian speaking parts near the Russian border would prefer to be part of Russia. Surely some sort of agreement along these lines will be the basis for peace in the end? A lot of this is posturing. The Russians claim they are not directly involved. Many in Ukraine are looking to Europe for their future. Compromse has to be sought.
The sooner all sides see sense the better for all.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31185027 .
Thursday, 5 February 2015
Ukraine peace bid
European leaders are trying to get a new peace deal for Ukraine, a crisis region where already 5400 lives have been lost. This is such a waste.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31143983 .
If ever there was an example of a futile war this is it. Russia denies involvement. Clearly the Russian speaking east of the nation seeks closer ties with Russia, whilst much of Ukraine seeks to be closer integrated in Europe. Civil war is not the answer.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-31143983 .
If ever there was an example of a futile war this is it. Russia denies involvement. Clearly the Russian speaking east of the nation seeks closer ties with Russia, whilst much of Ukraine seeks to be closer integrated in Europe. Civil war is not the answer.
Friday, 5 September 2014
Will it hold? Ukraine ceasefire.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-29082574.
I do hope the ceasefire announced for Ukraine holds. In the west we tend to hear one side of the conflict (I recall the same during the Vietnam War) so it is hard not to think the Russians are the "bad boys". I expect the truth is slightly different, although Russia has been its own worst enemy.
Whoever is right or wrong, it is better to "jaw, jaw" rather than "war, war". The fighting ultimately achieves very little. Far better to be fair and just to everyone and seek a just peace that respects all.
I do hope the ceasefire announced for Ukraine holds. In the west we tend to hear one side of the conflict (I recall the same during the Vietnam War) so it is hard not to think the Russians are the "bad boys". I expect the truth is slightly different, although Russia has been its own worst enemy.
Whoever is right or wrong, it is better to "jaw, jaw" rather than "war, war". The fighting ultimately achieves very little. Far better to be fair and just to everyone and seek a just peace that respects all.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Ukraine and MH17 crash site
Time is marching on and still no proper investigations have been carried out. The separatists and Russia are looking ever more guilty by being ever more obstructive. If they were guiltless they would have sealed the area and let in international observers right away. All the evidence now suggests they are trying to cover tracks.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
MH17 crash in Ukraine
If Russia is innocent then why is it not doing far more to help international investigators gain full, unhindered, access to the crash site? Why am I suspicious? If they have nothing to hide why all the secrecy? All the Russian actions appear to show ever more complicity.
It would be better for Russia to "come clean" and admit that Russian backed separatists shot the plane down. Admit Russia was unable to control rebel factions and then move on. As it is, Russia is likely to face tougher sanctions and yet more isolation in the international community. Both actions are not in Russia's best interests.
It would be in Russia's best interest to agree a permanent downing of weapons in Ukraine and to hold elections to decide the future of Russian speaking regions of Ukraine, perhaps under UN control (of elections)? If some parts want to move to Russia, then let them go. Bombs and bullets do not solve such conflicts.
UPDATE 1612z: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28389991
It would be better for Russia to "come clean" and admit that Russian backed separatists shot the plane down. Admit Russia was unable to control rebel factions and then move on. As it is, Russia is likely to face tougher sanctions and yet more isolation in the international community. Both actions are not in Russia's best interests.
It would be in Russia's best interest to agree a permanent downing of weapons in Ukraine and to hold elections to decide the future of Russian speaking regions of Ukraine, perhaps under UN control (of elections)? If some parts want to move to Russia, then let them go. Bombs and bullets do not solve such conflicts.
UPDATE 1612z: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28389991
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Ukraine
For the life of me, I find it hard to make sense of the crisis in the Ukraine. The western media seems to put all blame on Russia, but I have my doubts.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28174104
This crisis seems to be about Russia being against the western leaning Ukrainian government and Russia wishing still to have a "sphere of influence" in the old communist states that once formed part of the USSR. The fact that Russia exports a lot of its gas to Europe complicates things. I don't know much about Ukraine's history but know Crimea was gifted to Ukraine by Russia in the old USSR days. Maybe this part should again be Russian?
Whatever, I hope differences can be fixed and a peaceful solution found. It would be terribly sad if Ukraine fell into civil war. Surely peace is worth so much more? Maybe the answer is more autonomy for the Russian speaking parts?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28174104
This crisis seems to be about Russia being against the western leaning Ukrainian government and Russia wishing still to have a "sphere of influence" in the old communist states that once formed part of the USSR. The fact that Russia exports a lot of its gas to Europe complicates things. I don't know much about Ukraine's history but know Crimea was gifted to Ukraine by Russia in the old USSR days. Maybe this part should again be Russian?
Whatever, I hope differences can be fixed and a peaceful solution found. It would be terribly sad if Ukraine fell into civil war. Surely peace is worth so much more? Maybe the answer is more autonomy for the Russian speaking parts?
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
More Ukraine
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-27204009 .
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Russia is getting upset by NATO "cold war" behaviour and sanctions - well tough! Reduce your 40000 troops on Russia's border with Ukraine then.
The small scale NATO moves are about re-assurance whereas Russian moves are pure threat to a free and independent nation. Cool it or expect yet more sanctions. You should have to pay for your intimidating behaviour.
Russian actions belong back in the Cold War days and have no place in a free and democratic world. Russia, act like a grown up and stop throwing your toys out of your pram. I know there are always at least 2 sides to any dispute but Russian actions are plain wrong. This is not the way to air you grievances.
Russia is a great nation that deserves to be treated respectfully, but only if it behaves like an adult nation. Russia is behaving like a spoiled child at present over eastern Ukraine.
I fear for the future of eastern Ukraine: The Russian "inner circle" is still living in the 1970s. The age of the USSR is long gone!
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Is war in Ukraine a certainty?
No, but the signs are ominous.
As in all conflicts, it depends on who you are listening to. The Russians believe they are in the right to send in troops if necessary to bring stability to the eastern cities. The Ukrainians believe Russian special forces are already at work destabilising the east of Ukraine. NATO is watching in the wings hopng the Russians will calm things, especially with the threat of more economic sanctions. Russia is already feeling economic pain.
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
I don't much like Mr Putin's stance. He clearly wants to re-create the Soviet Union in some form and is showing the world his flexed muscles. He is ex-KGB and doesn't sound a nice man. Maybe I am seeing a biassed view of the man? Could be.
This could all get out of hand so easily and lead to a major European war, or worse. At all costs, this conflict has to be defused and peace allowed to flourish.
And of course the Russian trump card is gas supply to Europe. Ultimately, the west wants Russian gas and will resist too much clout against Russia so they don't turn this off. On the other hand, the export of gas must help the Russian economy. See http://en.ria.ru/infographics/20090609/155206402 .
Monday, 17 March 2014
Crimea - Russian?
Until 1954 it WAS part of Russia until the then Russian leader "gave" it to Ukraine, then part of the USSR. Since then it has had special status, is filled with mainly Russian speakers, and is home to the Russian Mediterranean fleet. In many ways it still seems like part of mother Russia.
Why not let Crimea rejoin Russia if that is what its people want?
The case of mainly eastern Ukrainian states is more difficult, but I feel even these should go to Russia if its occupants want this. A western looking Ukraine, mainly Ukrainian speaking, may well be smaller than the nation is currently.
The Ukraine should NOT be an excuse for a new Cold War or even WW3. We sleep-walked into WW1 remember. The Russians are being portrayed as the bullies here and this is not the full truth.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukraine .
Some Ukrainians have long memories of Soviet domination and starvation back in the bad days of the 1920's. It is easy to see why Ukraine has little trust in Russia today. Russia needs to act in a statesman like way here and not be seen as a big, ignorant bully.
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