After the announcement that several allied countries would supply Ukraine with tanks, the obvious response from Russia was cries of provocation followed by further missile strikes.
The International Olympic Committee seems determined to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under a neutral flag in the 2024 Olympics, yet the war made escalate and things will again change.
The question is how many tanks will Ukraine receive, and then will they arrive. Poland says it can deliver tanks within weeks, while the US and Germany has said it will be a matter of months. Clearly, we can see Poland was prepared and has probably been training Ukrainian soldiers, while other countries still have the red tape to deal with in terms of funding and delivery issues.
Orban of Hungary has been speaking out again, this time to declare Hungary would veto sanctions against Russia and the use of nuclear energy, while calling Ukraine ‘no man’s land’ and comparing it to Afghanistan. Hardly the words of a world leader that supports Ukrainian independence and to show solidarity.
Day 337 (26 January)
The International Olympic Committee has made a statement that it will permit Russian and Belarusian to compete in the 2024 Olympics in Paris as ‘neutral’ athletes, but maintains that officials for the countries will not be permitted, not will the use of national symbols be allowed. Zelenskyy has criticised the move, as the premise is to isolate the countries and we should remember a lot can happen between now and July 2024.
While sports should not be political, it is and competitors have in the past abused the platform to show support for Russia, and also makes the event a target especially as France has now been considered an ‘unfriendly’ country.
The day after the announcement that tanks from allied countries would be delivered to Ukraine, Russia replied with another barrage of missile attacks. Poland states that tanks can be delivered within the next two weeks, while the UK says that tanks can arrive by the end of March. Other countries have been vague about delivery dates and how many tanks will be delivered. Germany says tanks could arrive at the end of March or in April, while the US states delivery might take several months.
The key cities were targeted again and included Kyiv, Zaporizhziza, Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Odesa. Emergency power cuts were implemented to prevent damage to the energy grids again. More than 55 missiles were launched against Ukraine, and air raid alerts sounded across the country
Turkey has said it will deliver floating power plants to Ukraine. This offer was made several months ago, and Erdogan will be seeking to be reelected on 14 May 2023. He will want to make himself look attractive to the electorate that support Ukraine.
As the war heads towards the first anniversary, in Germany an alleged spy has been arrested for passing information to the Russians. No doubt there are more instances that have not been reported in the media.
Another MP from the Servant of the People party has been expelled. Mykola Tyshchenko was found to have been on holiday in Thailand. This comes as Zelenskyy is keen to show the world that the government can crackdown on corruption, a key element that will allow Ukraine to join the EU and NATO. In addition it fuels discontent with allied countries such as the US who have provided financial aid, and gives them cause to restrict funding to Ukraine if there is corruption that is not handled head on.
Day 338 (27 January)
Spain has announced it will supply 53 Leopard tanks. Poland has already offered 14, as the figures add up, hopefully to the 300 that Zelenskyy says is the number they need to defeat Russia. As machinery arrives at different times, it is right now a bit like gathering donations and making a plan on the best way to utilise the tanks when they arrive. They can’t come fast enough.
Poland has announced it will send 60 more tanks, but doesn’t state which ones. The idea is to lead by example, and encourage other countries to follow suit.
Missile strikes continue in Ukraine, targeting residential areas and energy infrastructure again.
Orban of Hungary has stated he would veto any EU sanctions against Russian nuclear energy. In response, the Hungarian ambassador has been summoned to explain Orban’s comments when he compared Ukraine to no man’s land in Afghanistan.
According to reports, there are at least 800 seriously wounded Ukrainians held captive in Russia as prisoners of war. In Ukraine, there are about 200 seriously wounded Russian soldiers who are classed as PoW.
On Holocaust Day, both Zelenskyy and Putin make speeches—Zelenskyy on honouring the victims, and Putin who bragged about the Soviet army defeating the Nazis.
Day 339 (28 January)
Russia doesn’t look as if they will give up the occupied regions in Ukraine, claiming they will change the time zone in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson (some parts are still occupied) by an hour to be in line with Russian time.
Reports claims that Putin has been quietly pardoning convicts in order for them to join the Wagner group and fight in Ukraine. That was the deal offered to them, and it means the Kremlin has been working with the Wagner group despite claims they have nothing to do with the mercenary group.
In Kazakhstan, Russian living there have been told they are not permitted to use the ‘Z’ symbol which is considered fascist and as a sign of aggression.
Rough figures state that about 321 tanks will arrive in Ukraine over the next. several months after the tank coalition was discussed and agreed over the past week.
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I absolutely disagree with the IOC. First of all, it's far too soon to be making such a generalized statement. They have no way of knowing what will be happening in 2023 and they've blown the chance to show international support for the Ukraine and all the countries supporting the Ukraine. Second of all, as for the "passport" rationalization, I"m not buying it. Putin has shown no concern regarding the passport of the civilians in Ukraine, and instead continues to brutalize and muder them. Third, what does making everything neutral for Russia and Belarus solve? Many of the athletes proved in the last Olympics they'd find a way to show their colors, etc. Is the IOC going to forbid them wearing their countries colors as part of their uniforms? Even if the IOC bans it on the uniform colors, they'll find a way around that, too. Finally, has it occured to the IOC that France may not want the athletes from Russia and Belarus, and frankly time to include Turkey, in their country? What does that say if these to the Ukranian athletes if Russia, Belarus and Turkey are allowed to send their athletes? Are they going to feel safe, comfortable, etc? I certainly wouldn't! I also don't believe any representatives should be allowed from Russia, Belarus or Turkey. The IOC had a chance to make a strong statement about peace and unity, and instead they pulled a NATO. It will be interesting to see if countries supporting Ukraine decide to boycott, if Putin hasn't withdrawn and stopped his evilness.
So, instead of commemorating the lives of the victims of the Holocaust, Putin took the opportunity to brag about the USSR defeating the Nazis.