Does Russia Have Eyes On Reclaiming Alaska?
Russia rejoices as Boris Johnson steps down as Prime Minister
There are several stories that have been developing and it is mainly the grain blockade and stolen grain issue that Turkey is playing a part in. It seems that they have let a Russian ship with obviously stolen grain visit Turkish ports and then leave, even though Ukraine asked them to detain the vessel.
In simple terms, Turkey cannot be trusted. The red flags were waving when they claimed to be a mediator and then telling the press that Ukraine would agree to a peace deal and give up land. That was not true, nor did they have the right to speak for Ukraine.
The news that Boris Johnson has been forced to resign will have an effect on the UK, Ukraine and the rest of the world should World War III start. Russia clapped their hands with glee because they hated Johnson supporting Ukraine and leading the way to encourage others to do so. The Conservatives that seek power and who did so by ousting Johnson have weakened the nation and the security of the world. Their greed is obvious, because most of them would be backbenchers still until they were given an opportunity to be in the Cabinet. Basically, the disloyal have empowered Russia and Putin.
Johnson was by no means perfect, he caught Covid-19 and nearly died but he saw the country through a global pandemic, even with unpopular lockdowns. He fought for Brexit, and whether you agree with it or not, it was a decided by a public vote. There were mistakes, but we all know people in authority lie—CEOs do it all the time, the monarchy comments only when they choose to, and politicians give measured answers. We do not expect the truth 100% of the time realistically.
When Thatcher was ousted, she was admired for all she had done but loathed for making unpopular but necessary decisions. Johnson is not an appeaser or people pleaser like Thatcher and those are the qualities a leader needs. The weak appeasers like Major and Brown did little for the country, but sat on a fence and signed papers. They never led the country. I was never a fan of Cameron, but he was a safer choice than Corbyn, and poor May was lumbered with a job that she didn’t really want and it showed. Even in the US, the should look at George Washington, the first president who didn’t really want the job. He accepted only because all parties trusted him due to his military achievements, and he was the only candidate.
However, we must remember that democracy has its faults and this is when people vote for themselves and not necessarily for the good of the country. I recall when Winston Churchill failed to be elected as Prime Minister after he had saved the nation from being invaded by the Germans. People have short term memories and voted in Labour because they liked what was offered to them personally. They were happy to shake hands and thank Churchill, but would not vote for him. I see that is not dissimilar to the Boris Johnson situation. You don’t know how good someone was until they have gone. I recall John Major taking over from Thatcher, which was a huge mistake and people slowly realised that Thatcher had done so much good. They didn’t realise it until Major was in power (for those who still hate her but who now own their council house, think about the fact that she allowed you to buy your own home cheaply). Johnson has his faults, and he should learn from them but he has talent and skills and will survive. As for the disloyal Conservatives, will the electorate trust them? If they expect their constituents to be loyal, surely they need to show integrity and loyalty to the country and government?
No politician is without their faults and Zelenskyy has his too. Trusting Macron is a mistake for a start, and for not expelling the traitors in Ukraine sooner. He can be forgiven in the history books as he was new in office, and quite possibly Putin saw him as an easy target and thought he would be able to invade and annexe regions as quickly as done previously in Crimea. Putin has made a claim that he has only just started with the war—some see this as a bluff, but often strategically dictators hold off with the best until later. A poker player never shows their hand early on after all.
Day 134 (7 July)
Russian politicians have made a reference to Russia having a claim on Alaska, even though Russia sold Alaska to the USA in 1867! Some see it as a veiled threat from Russia to stop the American support for Ukraine.
The battle for the grain continues as Ukraine had requested Turkey to detain the Russian vessel, ‘ Zhibek Zholy’ as it contained suspected stolen grain. Russia claimed the vessel had not been detained, and it turns out to be true as Turkey have released the vessel without a genuine investigation.
Ukraine has summoned the Turkish ambassador to explain themselves. To be frank, this is what I expected because Turkey has been playing both sides and cannot be trusted. Turkey wants all the perks and all their demands met, and will align with any entity that will help them.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister (Peter Szijjarto) has stated that Hungary will not deliver weapons to Ukraine because he believes it will endanger Hungarians, and would give rise to a Russian attack.
Fence sitter Scholz has stated that Germany will offer Ukraine security assurances, but they will not be on the same level as the Article 5 (NATO) guarantees. So what kind of guarantee can Germany and the allies offer? So far, the response has been slow with thousands dead as requested weapons being to arrive after 5 months.
Russia attends the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia where Lavrov meets with China but will not meet with the USA. The talks are expected to be about Ukraine and the potential food and energy issues stemming from the Russian invasion.
Russia has actually increased its presence in the Black Sea rather than to ‘move’ to open up a grain corridor. Reports say that 2 submarines, 5 missile carriers, and an assault ship are in the waters at present.
US Senators Lindsay Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) have visited Kyiv and met with Zelenskyy. The visit is show continued support from Congress during the invasion from Russia.
Article 436-2 of the Ukrainian criminal code prohibits promotion or support of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. A 63-year-old woman from Kharkiv has been detained for supporting the Russians on social media.
The Russians have allegedly stolen all valuables from the Mariupol museums. We say allegedly, when we know that they have looted whatever they could as they occupy the area at present. I am hopeful one day Mariupol will be free again.
Or even better LOTS of both Lady P
The assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe today will be the headline news, and reminds us that politicians are always in danger, even if when they have retired.
When world chaos ensues, it is a prime time for aggressors to act while using other events to hide things.