Russia Agrees To Allow Access For The Zaporizhzhia Plant To Be Inspected
China and Russia have confirmed they will attend the G20 In Indonesia
Russia didn’t really have a choice not to allow an inspection of the Zaporizhzhia power plant, but it seems that they have dropped the childish demand that the inspectors had to arrive through Russia. Is this a step forward? Not really in my books because the plant was only really in danger from the shelling, as the Ukrainian staff were still working there under duress.
The Russians have still objected to a call to demilitarise the area, and don’t look as if they are getting ready to leave either because they know they can use the occupation as a negotiation tactic.
The other news is that China and Russia have confirmed they will attend the G20 summit in Bali, which will be held 15-16 November 2022. Other countries are concerned that Putin will attend as if nothing has happened, and it will be difficult. However, this is three months away and much can happen in 12 weeks. Tensions are high already and there is no sign that they are easing but are escalating. Even Macron has criticised the Russians attack on Ukraine, about 5 months late.
Xi, of China has also confirmed his attendance as tensions rise in Asia over Taiwan and China’s military drills in the region that have led to accusations of provocation. China could show additional support to Russia, and this will create a greater divide already.
In other international summits, Russian representatives have been given the cold shoulder and other countries have walked out in protest when they have spoken. This time Putin will show up himself, and no doubt he will demand that sanctions be lifted agains Russia.
Meanwhile, Crimea is still experiencing explosions and drone activity, as Russia appears to be withdrawing from Crimea— more to salvage their military aircraft and weapons. However, hackers have altered the greeting to Russians crossing the bridge into Crimea, reminding them that Crimea is Ukraine.
As I read stories each day on the invasion in Ukraine, it is hard to see so much evil but it is balanced by volunteers silently doing their bit to help Ukraine, from people clearing mines, volunteer medics, and people helping people to evacuate occupied regions. These people do so much more than those in ‘power’ such as the UN and NATO. They make a difference on the ground and keep Ukraine alive and fighting to retain their independence. That’s why democracy and freedom is worth fighting for, and the UN and NATO need to be doing more in terms of preventing such incidents and defending democracy.
Day 178 (20 August)
Russia has agreed in principle to allow the IAEA to inspect the Zaporizhzhia power plant, but has ruled out demilitarising the area. This is Russia, so there are bound to be some conditions and Putin will want something in return. Putin has said further discussions will be held in a few days with Macron.
Russia’s agreement should come with an element of caution, as there are fears that a false flag incident will arise when the inspection takes place in order to frame the Ukrainians. This comes as Russia has submitted a letter to the UN accusing the Ukranians of provocation and plots in the power plant.
On 24 August 2022, it will be Independence Day in Ukraine. They can’t be celebrations as such will some regions still occupied, but Kyiv has put on a display of captured Russian weapons on show on the streets in the capital.
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There have been more explosions in Crimea, in Molochne and Bakhchysaray. In addition there have been drone attacks by the Ukrainians, aimed at military targets. The Russians have been quick to state they have shot down drones.
Countries are voicing their concerns over Putin attending the G20 summit in Indonesia, 15-16 November, with the UK stating that Russia has no moral right to attend while they are still invading Ukraine.
Mikhail Ulyanov, a Russian diplomat in Austria has been quoted as saying,’No mercy to the Ukrainian population’ on Twitter. He has now deleted the tweet after been threatened with a potential ban, and claims his words were taken out of context. There are calls for Austria (neutral) to expel him.
Looking at his thread with Russian supporters, it is hard to fathom their argument. They claim Ukraine is evil for failing to negotiate with Russia and that the deaths of Ukrainians is their own fault. The argument fails as Russia does not negotiate but demands, and they walk away when they don’t get what they want. Why should Ukraine cede land to Russia? They claim it is because the land belongs to Russia already. A flawed concept considering the world recognises Ukraine as a sovereign and independent state. That is why even when Russia leave/retreat, there will still be people who consider Ukraine as Russian territory, and that is why Ukraine needs to defend and protect itself.
The US has agreed another $775 million military aid package to aid Ukraine. This brings to the total to date of $10.6 billion in aid offered to Ukraine. Given that it has been confirmed that the US knew of the Russian plans more than 10 months ago, they have a pretty good idea that things will escalate and the additional equipment and weapons will be needed. They were probably needed back in December 2021 to be frank, and the US knows it too when they offered $200 million worth of weapons then.
Two more ships have left Ukraine today with wheat and sunflower oil, bringing the total number of ships that have left Ukraine to 27. While again this seems to be a good thing, the Russians held the world to hostage after stealing grain and selling it on, making it difficult for Ukraine to find buyers for their stock.
The Russians have been keen to destroy the livelihood of farmers by destroying their tractors and have hidden mines in their fields. I watched a clip of a volunteers mine sweeper who has been clearing the fields for the farmers. I seriously doubt that there can be much forgiveness after this. The Russians steal the crops and sell them, then when they allow grain to be shipped out, they set the fields on fire, target the tractors and combine harvesters, and mine the fields so that the farmers and machinery get killed. (Tip of the Spear Landmine Removal). The farmers and locals are most grateful for the work carried out by these volunteers, and it is dangerous work.
At this point, why don't these International organizations simply cancel Russia’s participation all together? Russia clearly does not care what the rest of the world thinks or values. To simply invade a country for no legitimate reason is unhinged. De-nazify? De-NATO expansion? Those are both lame excuses.
What interests me about your reference to China and Russia attending the G20 summit, November, 2022 in Bali are facts that Indonesians are 98% Muslim and China has been repressing Uyghurs in Xinjiang since 2017; with more than 1 million Muslims detained in re education camps. Furthermore, the Uyghurs are mostly aTurkish speaking ethnic group. Those not detained are subjected to intense surveillance, religious restrictions, forced labour, and forced sterilization. US in 2021 described abuse as genocide. Mention of the UN objecting, but to no avail it seems, as is being echoed in the current crisis in the Ukraine. I'd like to say looking forward to the G20, for many reasons. Finally, I'm willing to state that Russia never expected the Ukraine to stand and go from being defensive to go on 'the counter offensive'. Putin's ego has to be bruised!