Russia Claims That They Wish To Open Discussions
Turkey have volunteered to mediate in the Zaporizhzhia issue
Winter is upon us as the stores begin to line the shelves with Christmas stock, but we all know that things may get very bleak before then. There might be an energy crisis, and the war may have escalated outside of Ukraine, but we do know that things are unstable and will remain so unless Russia is held to account for their actions.
I have read accounts from those in Russia and Ukraine, and everyone wants to blame someone. Some Ukrainians blame Zelenskyy for not negotiating a peace deal, but I often find these comments are from people with little education and little understanding of the political nature of the EU and NATO. The majority of Ukrainians support Zelenskyy in defending Ukraine, and so do the western democratic countries. Russia also blames Ukraine, mainly because they expect Ukraine to concede that the country is actually part of the Russian Federation. Obviously we know that this is incorrect, but this is the narrative some people wish to believe. The only ones responsible for this war is Putin and his aides in the Kremlin. They chose to carry out the invasion, unprovoked simply because they believe they are entitled to do so. They murdered and tortured people, destroyed their homes and anything Ukrainian. There is no one else to blame.
Concerns continue in Zaporizhzhia, where are the reactors operating on reserve power which is hardly ideal. Also, we should look at the military exercises also known as war games that China is carrying out with Russia. Is this a mock war that they are practising for?
Putin is ruthless, and will not admit defeat so we must wonder what other outcomes are possible? The recent three Russia groups always seem suspect, as if the Kremlin had set them up to find out and punish those who do not agree with the special military operation. As we approach the 200 days of this war, we should brace ourselves for more hardship in the pursuit of democracy and to defend Ukraine.
Day 193 (4 September)
In Zaporizhzhia, the IAEA has stated that the power plant is relying on a reserve line to supply power to Ukraine. Shelling in the immediate area continues and it's obviously dangerous. Each day there are conflicting reports as to the status of the power plant but one thing is for sure and that is the Russians do not wish to demilitarise the area because it is a military base.
In the Black Sea, Russia has kept two calibre missile carriers close to Crimea. Russia is not going to give up Crimea, despite the majority of Russians having left the annexed region.
In the far east of Russia military exercises have been taking place from the 30th of August to the 5th of September. China and India have joined in these military exercises which are also war games, and it comes as no surprise that Belarus has also joined in these military exercises. Even though these exercises have taken place every four years, the timing right now leaves the west feeling a little uneasy, especially as it indicates that Russia is not as isolated as the West have hoped for
The ‘Free Russia Legion’ is possibly a front backed by the Kremlin to out those who oppose Putin, and who do not support the special military operation. They have advertised for recruits, where people would have to contact them and reveal their identities and this is a way for the Russian authorities to get rid of any opposition. Some journalists have noticed that the mailbox used is a mail.ru email address which is a service headed by the son of one of Putin's close aides. In short, this is a trap so that the Kremlin can arrest those who might be considered to be Russian traitors.
Erdogan of Turkey is interfering again and has claimed that he would like to be a mediator in the issue of the Zaporizhzhia Power plant. Apparently this offer was made when he made a recent call to Putin. As I have said before, Turkey simply can't be trusted under Erdogan.
Peskov, has stated that Putin is ready to negotiate with Zelenskyy on how the special military operation should end. This appears to be a stalling tactic again, while Russia tries to recruit new troops. There are no negotiations as Putin expects Zelenskyy to surrender and to agree to his demands. That is not a negotiation, and is a tactic that will buy time, and that will hopefully halt the influx of Western weapons as Putin knows that countries such as France and Germany seek appeasement.
Kaja Kallas of Estonia has called upon other countries to completely isolate Russia. The piecemeal sanctions have had little effect as Russia still have revenue from stolen grain and oil and gas, purchased by nations who are either on the fence or who support Russia silently.
When I read this, I feel guilty for paying so much attention to the SXSs and spending so much of what a medical friend calls "neuronal energy" on them. Thanks for your tireless work on this grim but critical situation, EL. TC