Day 100

The Russians grant safe passage for Ukrainian freighters of grain to leave the port

I’ve been counting the day as I have compiled daily briefs on the war in Ukraine, and there has been ‘less interest’ because the mainstream media aren’t reporting on it, and news on the war is only available if you look. At 100 days, Ukraine still doesn’t have the arms they have requested to defend themselves, and future generations will ask why when it was obvious that Russia was not going to back down.

I chose early on to document the invasion, picking what were the daily essential happenings, and what I believed were the consequences of actions and in actions. I am not a military expert, but have studied the history of wars and this conflict is not much different from those in the past, the main difference is the new technology that is both dangerous, and means that information can be shared instantly.

I know there are journalists tweeting and writing their reports each day, and I use this and summarise the relevant points. I also knew that public interest would wane until the effects of the war hit them directly, for that is human nature. That is why it is essential to keep track on a daily basis of what is happening because a small thing now can be relevant later on. For example, Russia declaring they are carrying out naval military drills and exercises should be a concern—that is because nearly all their invasions began as innocent drills that turned into invasions.

Russian soldiers who have served their term are refusing to return to Ukraine and have been seeking legal advice to ensure that there are no recriminations. Many of the soldiers were on a military exercise, and then were told to cross the border and found that they were in an actual war that they had started. This is not what they had signed up for, and I imagine if they were told beforehand what was going to happen, many would have refused to go. We also discover that Russia lied to the conscripts who were told they would not go to war, but they did without signing any military contracts.

Ukraine must win—I have said that from the beginning because if Russia is not stopped now, then they will continue their reign of terror. It is shameful, for not all Russians support the invasion but are unable to protest without consequences. That is why Ukraine must fight for the world, because we, in a democracy are able to protest at things we do not approve of. Many Russians do not have the freedoms we have, therefore, we must join with Ukraine to fight to preserve them.

Day 100 (3 June)

• In occupied Zaporizhzhia, the puppet administration have made a decree that Ukrainian state property and resources will be nationalised. That includes land, facilities, infrastructure, and buildings. Should Ukraine be able to reclaim the region, these actions will make it harder. Basically, they are stealing from the Ukrainians.

• The Russians have agreed to offer safe passage for Ukrainians freighters of grain to leave the port. That is after they have stolen what they wanted and shipped it to Syria.

• The European Parliament has banned Russian lobbyists. This is said to put a halt to propaganda and fake news.

  

• Moldova has officially banned Russian news programmes from being aired. Russian entertainment shows are permitted, but there will be fines for any broadcasts that contain misinformation.

• Sweden will send anti-ship missiles, and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine. This is the fourth round of military aid that has been sent so far. As a previously neutral country, they do not send arms to aid other countries, but the actions of Russia have changed that policy as the new package is worth £81 million.

  

• Russian’s reaction to the US sending HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) to Ukraine seems to be to, ‘wreck American bases in Europe’. They see the US as a threat and to be interfering. Ukrainian soldiers will need to be trained how to use the equipment which will take several weeks.

  

• Sweden has agreed to supply Ukraine with all their nuclear fuel so that they never have to import again from Russia.

  

• As I said before, the US, and UK have supplied Ukraine with advanced rocket systems (MLRS-Multiple Launch Rocket Systems) on the proviso they are not used on recognised Russian territory. The US does not deem Crimea to be Russian, as it is Ukrainian, therefore, Ukraine may use the weapons there if they need to.

  

• In Kharkiv, a 47 year old man was arrested for producing and distributing material that was pro-Russian, and that promoted a justification for the invasion. One of the problems that Ukraine faced, was that after separatists took control of parts of the Donbas, and Crimea, it meant that pro-Russians could infiltrate the government and Ukraine had a problem of double agents, spies, and traitors who have enabled the Russians to invade.

• The UN with send three independent human rights investigators to Ukraine to examine the alleged war crimes. They will interview victims, and witnesses in Sumy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Lviv from 7-16 June.

  

• Russia begins a week of Pacific fleet exercises (3-10 June). This includes the use of submarines and naval aviation. This is pertinent as the Ukrainian invasion began as a military exercise, where the conscripts were duped into actual fighting and killing. Previous military exercises carried out by Russia have led to other invasions—Crimea, Donbas, and Georgia. It is feasible this owl due used as a means to gather intelligence and their form is to switch from an exercise to an invasion.

• 100 days for world leaders to reflect and show their support for Ukraine or not:

  100 days ago Russia unleashed its unjustifiable war on Ukraine.

  The bravery of Ukrainians commands our respect and our admiration.

  The EU stands with Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU Commission

  "We must redouble our efforts to help Ukraine resist and win this war"Egils Levits, President of Latvia.

  "The EU is united and will do all it can to bring an end to this disastrous war." European Council President, Charles Michel.

  For 100 days, Ukraine has been moving confidently towards its goal of living as a free democratic country within the European family. Russia is clearly moving towards life behind the Iron Curtain and isolation from the developed world."Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine Prime Minister.

  Today is the 100th day of the heroic defence of Ukraine ... We are proud that we can support Ukrainians in solidarity in their struggle with the criminal Russian aggression." Andrzej Duda, President of Poland.

  A hundred days since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine and killed thousands of innocent civilians... This is a long hard fight for Ukraine. [The UK] stands by you."

  Melinda Simmons. British Ambassador to Ukraine.