New Zealand Offers Support in Europe
Day 47, sees countries acting of their own volition including Turkey's 'traitorous' actions
I think we are at the point where the war has to escalate, because so far we have seen the Russians attack and throw warning shots, with the Ukrainians bravely defending themselves. However, the latter know that they do not have the resources to keep doing this, and that is how an enemy wears down their prey so they can then swoop in and take them. This has happened countless times in history, especially in Europe where areas that border countries, and Russia has form for doing this on a consistent basis.
Many are looking at what happened in Chechnya, that lasted three years as an independent republic before Russia invaded and took control. The leader, Ramzan Kadyrov (installed by Putin) has declared that Russia will take back Ukraine, and not just the Donbas region but Kyiv as well. How people react to world events depends on their location and whether it will affect them or not. That is the sad truth even with technology that connects us in real time. While the media reported on Chechnya, most people didn’t know where it was and wondered what it had to do with them. If Chechnya fell back into Russian hands, how would it affect their lives? It didn’t, and so there wasn’t so much of a public outcry which is why Zelenskyy’s public addresses make a huge difference as he is making a connection to everyone in the world. Therefore, many in other continents can’t feel or see the effects of the war as yet, and that is why they simply aren’t being as engaged in supporting Ukraine. Think of the fisherman in Thailand, the chef in a Barbados hotel—the war hasn’t affected them yet and so they won’t care, and so their governments won’t ‘interfere’ as such.
As I stated before, countries that abstained from voting against Russia in the UN were considering their own position, and that of tourism and their economy. Finland has apparently banned postal services to Russia, but it comes as no surprise to me that Turkey is putting on special air services so that Russians can fly to Turkey for holidays to bypass the ban on flights and restrictions due to sanctions. The Russians are big spenders in places like Turkey and Cyprus where the average Russian can have a luxurious holiday on the cheap.
https://simpleflying.com/turkish-airlines-russian-tourists/
Yes, the double standards are clear to see here and why Turkey wants a quick peace deal, as Turkish Airlines is one of the only airlines still flying into Russia. You can see why I don’t feel Turkey is suitable as a security guarantor or as a mediator for peace talks as they circumvent the rules for themselves for profit. They cannot be trusted, and while no one can stop them from doing the above, they probably won’t care either. As they are not in the EU, there is no threat of suspending funding like Hungary, but can people ban Russians from staying in their hotels, or if people know would they cancel?
How would you feel if you were on holiday in Turkey and a group of Russians were staying in the hotels that openly supported the Russian invasion? In Germany there have been pro-Russian rallies that supported the invasion over the weekend, so again, how can Germany be considered a security guarantor either if there is support for Russia? There will be friction between those who support Ukraine and those who are pro-Russian, and that will continue until the war is concluded. This isn’t about discrimination, but do you really want to be eating in a dining room with Russians or those who support genocide?
Turkey, like Hungary like to make up the rules as they go along to suit their needs and as the important holiday season is upon us. Turkey wishes to capitalise on it as the season runs from April through to October, and while the war is still contained, they want profit. Should a world war ensue, then that season will come to an end and the government will have to prop up millions who can’t make a living off tourism. After Covid-19, many businesses need trade to survive, but can they justify it as the cost of supporting genocide?
The French elections should be concluded by May, and perhaps Macron has been holding back to appease the electorate? The contest is now between Macron and Le Pen, and those who voted for Macron before appear to be uneasy to do so again with many saying they will submit a blank vote. I do feel that Macron will win, only because Le Pen’s previous ties with Putin will be a concern to the electorate and because people fear the far right. France need to be seen to be doing more than to hold talks with Putin.
New Zealand leads the way , and is sending a defence aircraft with personnel to assist with the war in Ukraine. It has been reported they will not enter Ukraine, but will be based in Germany where they will be able to provide support for at least 2 months. I understand that such details should be kept classified, but the point is that a small country is willing to step in and help Ukraine and that is what matters. New Zealand does not have to answer to NATO either, but the actions from all these smaller countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia and the UK) is making NATO look rather weak and inept.
There are many talks going on, and humanitarian corridors are being opened again, but the ultimate goal for Russia is for Ukraine to concede and give up the territories they want. At what cost? Putin doesn’t care, nor does he care about the Russians who will suffer. A dictator only craves power and control, and that is what this invasion is about.
Day 47 (11 April)
Societe Générale is ceasing its activates in Russia and will also sell off their Russian holdings. Such decisions are not made lightly when huge financial losses are at stake.
New Zealand will be sending aid to Ukraine and will offer a team to support Ukraine based in Europe.
Turkey is circumventing various sanctions and rules to isolate Russia by enacting a government backed scheme to transport Russian tourists to Turkey. This shows that Turkey is more concerned about their economy, and this will not help their EU membership application that I believe will never succeed unless they leave Cyprus.
Zelenskyy addresses the South Korean parliament to tell them of the situation in Ukraine.
I do so hope and pray you are right, EL! TC
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